At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges offers complete restorative dentistry. Our Duncan, OK, office proudly offers multiple types of dental bridges, including implant-supported restorations. Thanks to our CEREC^® intraoral scanner, our bridges fit comfortably and have a beautifully lifelike appearance. 

To learn more about the different types of dental bridges and to find out which type is right for you, schedule a consultation with us today.

Traditional Bridges

When people refer to a dental bridge, they are most commonly talking about a traditional bridge. Traditional bridges are made with two abutment teeth, crowns that fit over the teeth flanking the gap in your smile. One or more artificial teeth, or pontics, fit inside the space left by the missing teeth. To place a traditional bridge, Dr. Bridges will need to reshape the teeth that will support the restoration. 

Traditional bridges are very durable. One study found that 98% of bridges last at least five years, while 95% last 12 to 20 years. 

Maryland Dental Bridges

Maryland bridges are sometimes called “resin bonded bridges.” Instead of using pontics, these restorations have two metal wings on either side of the artificial tooth. Dr. Bridges will use resin to bond these wings to the back of your adjacent teeth. 

Maryland bridges are a more conservative treatment and do not require alteration to your teeth. They also have a similar lifespan to traditional bridges. However, they are only appropriate to replace front teeth, since they are not strong enough to withstand the force of your bite on your back teeth.

Cantilever Bridges

A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, except that it only has one abutment tooth. This type of restoration may be appropriate if you only have one healthy tooth adjacent to your missing tooth. 

At the same time, cantilever bridges are not as secure as traditional bridges and are used only in limited circumstances. Dentists often use them to replace front teeth, as the force of your bite may be too strong in the back.

Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

Implant-supported dental bridges are quickly emerging as the number one tooth replacement option. Instead of resting on your adjacent teeth, these restorations sit on top of implant posts, which are surgically placed in your jawbone. 

Implant-supported bridges do not require alteration of otherwise healthy teeth. Moreover, the implant posts can prevent jawbone degeneration and further tooth loss. 

Find Out Which Type of Dental Bridge Is Right for You

If you are missing teeth, there’s no reason to suffer from embarrassment and discomfort. Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center to schedule your restorative consultation. You can get in touch online or call us at 580-255-4880.

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At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, Dr. Bridges and his team offer a full range of restorative dentistry solutions. At a consultation, he will explain all of your options. Then he will work with you to choose a treatment that fits your health needs, as well as your budget, comfort level, and cosmetic goals. 

Contact our office to learn more about dental bridges and implants and to find out which treatment may be right for you.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge can replace one or several adjoining missing teeth. Bridges are made of multiple attached dental crowns. The crowns on each end will sit on top of the neighboring natural teeth. To place a bridge and create sufficient room for the crowns, your dentist will need to reshape these teeth.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants replace the missing dental roots. These small posts will be surgically placed in your jaw, where they will fuse with the healthy bone tissue. This process could take up to six months. Once the implants have fully integrated with the jaw, Dr. Bridges will attach a custom-made restoration to the top of the implant post or posts. 

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are a more conservative choice than implants. If you select a bridge, you will not need to undergo surgery. Additionally, you will not need to wait for complete healing before you can receive your restoration. Instead, your treatment will usually take just two appointments spaced a few weeks apart. Finally, dental bridges cost less than implants, and insurance may cover a greater amount of the treatment cost.

The Benefits of Implants

Although bridges are more conservative, implants are usually considered the ultimate tooth replacement. First, implants do not necessitate reshaping otherwise healthy teeth. More importantly, implants help to ensure overall oral health. Like tooth roots, they send regenerative signals to the jawbone, which help to prevent jaw deterioration and additional tooth loss. 

Dental implants are also very durable. Studies show that 90 to 95% of implants last ten years or more. Finally, although implants have a bigger price tag upfront, because they last so long and can prevent the need for further restorative treatment, implants may save you money in the long run.

Candidacy for Bridges vs. Implants

To qualify for a bridge, your nearby teeth must be healthy enough to support the restoration. On the other hand, as a candidate for dental implants, you must have a sufficient amount of healthy jawbone tissue. 

Dr. Bridges can assess your candidacy for both treatments during a thorough exam using our advanced imaging technology.

Learn More about Your Restorative Options 

Restore your smile and protect your oral health. Contact our Duncan, OK, office today to book your restorative consultation. 

Complete our online contact form or call us at (580) 255-4880.

The post Dental Bridges vs. Implants: What’s the difference and how to choose? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges and his caring team can help you repair your smile with quality dental bridges. From start to finish, you’ll get the patient-centered care that you deserve. So, don’t wait–call our Duncan, OK, dental office now at (580) 255-4880 or request an appointment online here.

If you’re missing one or more teeth, then you might be wondering if dental bridges are right for you. Here, Dr. Bridges will answer five frequently asked questions (FAQs) about dental bridges to help you make the right choice for you.

What are dental bridges?

A dental bridge is an oral prosthetic made from high-quality materials to resemble the appearance and function of natural teeth. Typically, a dental bridge contains one or more false teeth, which are held in place with the help of dental crowns on neighboring teeth. However, some dental bridges maintain their position in the mouth by fastening to sturdy dental implants.

Who is a good candidate for a dental bridge?

Traditionally, an ideal candidate is one who has at least one missing tooth or several missing teeth in a row. But, tooth loss alone is not a sufficient qualifier for candidacy.

Patients must also have good oral health before getting a dental bridge. Otherwise, cavities and gum disease will continue to wreak havoc on the patient’s oral and overall health. 

Nonetheless, most patients with one or more missing teeth in a row are usually ideal candidates for a dental bridge. And because a traditional dental bridge is minimally-invasive, it is a suitable alternative to dental implants.

Are there different types of dental bridges?

Yes, there are many types of dental bridges. But, the team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center only offers traditional bridges and implant-supported bridges.

Traditional bridges use dental crowns to hold their place in the mouth. Whereas, implant-supported bridges require surgically implanted titanium posts for stability.

Ultimately, an in-depth consultation with Dr. Bridges will help you choose the right type of dental bridge for you, your health, and your lifestyle.

How long does a dental bridge last?

With the proper care, a dental bridge can last at least a decade. Daily brushing and flossing combined with regular dental checkups and cleanings will help patients keep their appliances for longer.

Does a dental bridge make it harder to eat and speak?

At first, a dental bridge might feel foreign while eating and speaking. However, most patients quickly grow accustomed to their dental bridges after the first few days of wear. 

Generally, patients with a dental bridge report increased ease, comfort, and confidence while eating and speaking.

Schedule a Dental Bridge Consultation Today

If you are missing one or more consecutive teeth, then a dental bridge might be right for you. Schedule a comprehensive consultation now to verify your candidacy. New and existing patients can contact our Duncan dental office at (580) 255-4880 or send us a message online here.

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