If missing teeth are affecting your confidence and eating ability, dental bridges can be an excellent solution. A dental bridge is a type of dental procedure that is a comfortable and reliable option when saving your natural teeth isn't feasible. Bridge the gap between your teeth and reclaim your beautiful smile with a visit to Dousman Family Dental.
Dental Bridges for Waukesha County Patients
Our dental bridges enhance both the functionality and beauty of your smile. Our team offers personalized care and tailored treatment plans, providing the most suitable dental bridges for our patients in Waukesha County.
Whether you're missing one or multiple teeth, our dental bridges offer a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution to restore your bite, confidence, and oral health. Our range of dental bridge options in Waukesha County improve your smile and overall well-being. Bring back your radiant smile with Dousman Family Dentistry's dental services.
Why Choose Dental Bridges?
Many of our Waukesha County patients choose dental bridges for several common reasons:
- Cost Effectiveness: Dental bridges are generally more cost-effective than dental implants, making them a preferred option for individuals on a budget or without dental insurance coverage. The placement process for bridges is typically less complex, leading to a more affordable treatment option.
- Less Invasive Procedure: Getting a dental bridge involves minimal surgical intervention compared to dental implants. Implants require oral surgery to insert titanium posts into the jawbone, while bridges only require your adjacent teeth for support.
- Quicker Treatment: Dental bridges can often be completed in a shorter time frame than dental implants. Implant procedures can take several months to fully integrate with the jawbone, while bridges can be placed within a few weeks.
- Bone Density Concerns: Some individuals may not have sufficient bone density in their jaw to support dental implants. In such cases, dental bridges provide a suitable alternative without requiring bone grafting procedures.
- Preventing Adjacent Tooth Movement: Dental bridges help prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the gap left by a missing tooth. As a result, proper alignment of your teeth and bite are maintained.
- Aesthetic Considerations: Dental bridges can provide excellent aesthetic results, especially when the missing tooth is visible in the smile zone. Bridges are custom-made to match the color, shape and size of the surrounding natural teeth, resulting in a seamless and natural appearance.
Dental Bridge Longevity
The longevity of dental bridges for Waukesha County patients depends on various factors including the patient's oral hygiene practices, the quality of materials used, and the overall dental health of the patient. On average, well-maintained dental bridges can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or even longer.
Proper Oral Hygiene
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for the long-term success of a dental bridge. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and using interdental brushes or water flossers to clean between the bridge and the gumline can help prevent plaque and bacteria buildup, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings are essential to monitor the condition of your dental bridge and surrounding teeth. The dentist can detect early signs of wear, decay, or other issues that could affect the longevity of your bridge.
Material Quality
The type of materials used in the construction of your dental bridge can impact its durability. High-quality materials, such as porcelain or zirconia, are known for their strength and natural aesthetics, contributing to a longer-lasting restoration.
Bite Habits
Patients with habits like teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching can place excessive pressure on their dental bridge, leading to premature wear or damage. In such cases, the dentist may recommend a custom-made nightguard to protect the bridge during sleep.
Avoid Harmful Habits
Chewing on hard objects, such as ice, pens, or fingernails, should be avoided, as it can weaken or crack your dental bridge. Additionally, refraining from using teeth to open packages or bottles is essential to maintain the integrity of your bridge.
Addressing Issues Promptly
If you notice any signs of discomfort, changes in bridge fit or bridge damage, it is crucial to contact your dentist promptly. Timely intervention can help prevent further complications and prolong the life of your dental bridge.
Regular Bridge Maintenance
Dental bridges may require occasional adjustments or repairs due to natural wear over time. During regular dental check-ups, your dentist will assess your bridge's condition and perform any necessary maintenance to ensure its continued functionality.
Dental Bridges vs. Crowns
Dental bridges and crowns both aim to replace missing or damaged teeth but have key differences. Bridges use adjacent teeth as anchors to hold a false tooth in place, while dental crowns fully cap teeth that are damaged. Crowns provide individual tooth restoration, and bridges span spaces with tooth loss. While challenging to clean under, bridges can help patients avoid tooth removal or implants. Both solutions come in different materials, varying durability and aesthetics.
- Bridges anchor false teeth, crowns cap existing teeth
- Crowns restore individual teeth, bridges span gaps
- Bridges help prevent tooth removal/implants but are hard to clean
- Material choices for both vary in aesthetics and durability
