Dental Bridges in Washington, DC

Dental bridges, that literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth, are a long-established treatment choice to replace teeth when they are lost. The talented dentists at Washington Center for Dentistry in Washington, DC will place 2 or more crowns on either side of the gap as the anchoring teeth, and they are attached to the false tooth or teeth in between. Dental bridges are made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these cosmetic dentistry materials, and are supported by natural teeth or implants. Bridges are a great way to not only restore the teeth but to restore confidence and self-esteem as well.

Missing teeth are not just an aesthetic problem — gaps in your smile may have a powerful impact on your oral health. Your mouth is balanced carefully and a gap can affect its function. In time, a missing tooth may lead to teeth shifting, creating problems with your bite (underbite, overbite, crossbite) and atrophy of the gums and jawbone. A dental bridge requires the surrounding teeth to be healthy enough to hold the restoration, including good density in the jawbone and gum tissue. Team will assess your gums and jaw at your consultation to help you choose the best bridge type (traditional, cantilever, resin bonded, or Maryland bonded) and material (porcelain, ceramic, metal, and porcelain fused to metal).

During the first visit for getting a dental bridge, the abutment teeth are prepared. Preparation involves recontouring these teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them. Next, impressions of the teeth are made, which serve as a model from which the bridge, pontic and crowns will be made by a dental lab. Your dentist will make a temporary bridge to wear to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the bridge is being made.

During the second visit, your temporary bridge will be removed and the new porcelain or metal bridge will be checked and adjusted, as necessary, to achieve a proper fit. Multiple visits may be required to check the fit of the metal framework and bite. This is dependent on each individual’s case. If the dental bridge is a fixed bridge, your dentist will make sure it is fitting properly and cement it in place after a couple of weeks.

After the dental bridge has been cemented in place, it can take a few days to adjust to eating and speaking with the new restoration. Any discomfort can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medications. It is important to practice proper oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing. Washington Center for Dentistry may recommend additional products or techniques to help with maintaining the bridge. We may also suggest regular checkups in order to monitor your dental health and wellness. With proper care, your dental bridge could last for many years!