Dental Bridges in Tacoma, WA

At My Tacoma Dentist - David Wagner DDS, a dental bridge is a device that replaces one or more missing teeth. The bridge spans the gap left by a missing tooth, supporting a replacement tooth or teeth on either side. The bridge is attached to the jaw using crowns, which fit over the adjacent natural teeth and form a stable support for the bridge. Dental bridges can be made of gold, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. The replacement teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold alloys, ceramics, composite resin, or a combination of materials. Porcelain is popular for its durability and natural appearance. Our dentist can discuss the best material for your particular case and oral health needs.

The Procedure for Dental Bridges

The process of placing a dental bridge begins by creating a mold of your bite and the teeth surrounding those teeth. The mold is used to replicate the shape and size of your teeth so that the bridge will fit comfortably in your mouth. Then, the two anchoring crowns will be affixed to healthy teeth surrounding the gap to provide support. Finally, the artificial tooth or teeth will be placed in the space, completing the process.

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

Bridges are valuable in helping patients maintain proper facial structure and preventing the remaining natural teeth from shifting into empty spaces. They improve your chewing abilities and speech as well. Dental bridges are permanently cemented into place and cannot be removed for cleaning as you would with a traditional partial denture. However, they can be cleaned using the same methods you would use to care for your natural teeth. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth with floss will help keep your dental bridge clean and prevent future oral health problems.

Dental bridges are also an excellent option for replacing multiple teeth next to each other or in a row. While this may be done with a single dental crown, a bridge is much easier to clean between the adjacent teeth. If many teeth are being replaced, the appliance can also be supported by dental implants rather than using adjacent teeth for support. This helps provide added stability to the restoration.

Replacing missing teeth is essential not only for one’s appearance but also for maintaining dental health. Dental bridges can restore your smile and help you eat and speak normally. To learn more about dental bridges, contact My Tacoma Dentist - David Wagner DDS, at 1919 N. Pearl St. Suite A-3, Tacoma, WA, 98406, or call (253) 761-5299.