Dental Bridges
Discover the exceptional dental bridge services at Westport Dental, where our expert team provides high-quality, custom solutions to restore your smile and improve your oral health. Dental bridges in Westport are an effective and reliable way to replace missing teeth, helping you regain function and confidence. Whether you’re dealing with gaps that affect your bite or simply want to enhance the aesthetics of your smile, our skilled dentists, Dr. Sathvik Seshadri and Dr. Shikha Chopra, will work with you to craft a perfect fit tailored to your needs. Experience why so many in Westport trust us for their dental bridge treatments, and let us help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile today!
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are prosthetic devices that replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between two teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) anchored in place by dental crowns (abutments) on either side of the gap. The crowns are attached to the natural teeth or dental implants surrounding the space.
Dental bridges are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result. They restore the appearance of your smile and improve oral function, allowing you to speak and chew properly.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
- Restored Functionality: Dental bridges restore your ability to chew and speak properly, which can be compromised by missing teeth.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: By filling in gaps, bridges improve the appearance of your smile, boosting your confidence.
- Preventing Teeth Shifting: A bridge prevents the adjacent teeth from shifting into the gap, which can lead to misalignment and other dental issues.
- Maintaining Facial Structure: Missing teeth can cause the facial structure to sag over time. Bridges help maintain the natural shape of your face.
- Durability: With proper care, dental bridges can last many years, providing a long-term solution to missing teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges
- Traditional Bridges: The conventional bridge is the most common type, consisting of one or more pontics held in place by dental crowns on either side. These crowns are cemented onto the adjacent teeth.
- Cantilever Bridges: Used when adjacent teeth are on only one side of the gap. This type is less common and typically used in areas of the mouth with less stress, such as the front teeth.
- Maryland Bonded Bridges: Also known as resin-bonded bridges, these use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth. We typically use this type for front teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Instead of being supported by natural teeth, these bridges anchor to the dental implants we surgically place in the jawbone. They offer excellent stability and durability.
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Bridge (CEREC)
Westport Dental utilizes advanced CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) technology to create and place dental bridges efficiently and precisely. Here’s what you can expect during the process:
- Initial Consultation: Dr. Seshadri or Dr. Chopra will evaluate your oral health, discuss your dental history, and determine if a dental bridge is the best solution. We may take digital impressions and X-rays to plan your treatment.
- Tooth Preparation: We prepare the teeth adjacent to the gap (abutment teeth) by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crowns. This step ensures a secure and comfortable fit for the bridge.
- Digital Impressions: Using CEREC technology, digital impressions of your teeth are taken. These precise 3D images will design your custom dental bridge.
- Bridge Fabrication: We send the digital design to the CEREC milling machine, fabricating your dental bridge from a high-quality ceramic material. This process is completed in-office, allowing for same-day placement.
- Bridge Placement: Once ready, the bridge is carefully fitted and adjusted for optimal comfort and function. It is then permanently cemented in place, restoring your smile.
How to Care for Your Dental Bridge
Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity of your dental bridge:
- Daily Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from around the bridge. Special floss threaders or interdental brushes can help clean underneath the pontic.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Regularly visit Westport Dental for professional cleanings and check-ups. Dr. Seshadri and Dr. Chopra will monitor the condition of your bridge and the health of your surrounding teeth and gums.
- Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage or dislodge your bridge. Cut food into smaller pieces and chew on both sides of your mouth to distribute the pressure evenly.
- Protect Against Teeth Grinding: If you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a nightguard to protect your bridge and natural teeth from excessive wear.
Dental Bridges in Westport
Dental bridges are an effective and durable solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring both function and aesthetics to your smile. At Westport Dental in Westport, Dr. Sathvik Seshadri and Dr. Shikha Chopra utilize advanced CEREC technology to provide custom dental bridges with precision and efficiency. If you’re considering a dental bridge, contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more beautiful smile.
