Dental Bridges at Lucie Dental

Fill that Hole in Your Smile

Perhaps you have a missing tooth because of decay, gum disease, or injury. If so, a dental bridge can bridge the gap. The main requirement for a bridge is that you have healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth. A bridge consists of crowns on either side of the gap, supporting a false tooth in the gap. Because your teeth will shift over time around any gap, it is important that any gap be filled, not just for cosmetic reasons but for chewing and bite soundness. So contact Lucie Dental near Jupiter, FL, serving the Treasure Coast, to fill that hole in your smile!

What are Dental Bridges?

Four Main Types of Bridges

There are four main types of bridges: traditional fixed, cantilever, resin-bonded, and implant supported. The most common of these is the traditional fixed bridge, which contains two or more crowns supporting one or more teeth. A cantilever bridge connects the pontic, or false tooth, to just one crown. This is usually used when only one anchoring tooth is available. A resin-bonded bridge, or Maryland dental bridge, is used when you have missing front teeth; in this case, the pontic is held together by wings on each side of the bridge and bonded to the teeth. An implant-supported bridge is one where the pontic is held in place by a dental implant.

What are the benefits of Dental Bridges?

Improved Smile

At Lucie Dental, serving patients in Jupiter dental bridges are an excellent solution for patients seeking to replace missing teeth. Dental bridges can work to keep the teeth surrounding a gap from moving in to fill the gap, which can negatively affect your bite, chewing ability, or speech. Dental bridges can also prevent a sunken facial appearance from missing teeth. The bridge not only helps your appearance but also helps all functional aspects of your smile.

Your Dental Bridges Procedure

The Fit Is Key

During your first appointment, your abutment teeth will be prepared for the crowns they will receive. The teeth on either side of the bridge are re-contoured, and a bit of enamel is taken off of them so that impressions can be made and the dental bridge can be created. The dental lab uses this model to build the bridge. A temporary bridge is made in order to protect the abutment teeth and to give the lab time to make the permanent bridge. When the permanent bridge is ready, it will be placed in your mouth and adjusted in order for your bite to be aligned correctly. This may take more than one visit, and during this time, the bridge is temporarily cemented to the abutment teeth. Once we have fit the bridge correctly, permanent cement is used so that your bridge is permanently cemented into place.

Dental Bridges Results

Eat, Look, Speak Better

Once we have fit the dental bridge into your mouth correctly and permanently cemented it to the abutment teeth, you will be able to eat and speak better. You will not have unsightly gaps in your smile, and your face won’t have the sunken-in look that can be caused by a missing tooth or teeth. Dental bridges can also help keep other teeth from migrating into the space where the missing tooth is, keeping your teeth in better alignment. We strive to offer the best Dental Bridges Jupiter has to offer

Dental Bridges Recovery and Aftercare

A Healthy Recovery

It is important to follow all the instructions we provide for the care of your dental bridge. Do not eat hard or sticky foods while you have the temporary bridge and for at least two days after your permanent bridge is in place. Even after the bridge is permanently in place, it is best to avoid hard foods in order to protect the crowns from breakage and the bridge from shifting.

Additional Reading

Other care procedures include:

Brush twice a day and floss regularly with a floss threader to get underneath the bridge
Avoid tobacco products as they will impede healing and will also stain the dental bridge

Most patients take about two weeks to adjust fully to a bridge. During this time, avoid extremely cold and extremely hot foods. Any pain or discomfort can be alleviated with over-the-counter medication.

Dental Bridges Frequently Asked Questions

How long after a Dental Bridge is cemented into place can I eat?

While you can eat soft foods about an hour after your dental bridge is placed, it is best to wait at least 24 hours before eating harder food, as this is the time it takes for the cement to set.

Is there any special care for a Dental Bridge?

The dental bridge should be aligned properly in the mouth, and the bite should feel natural after a bridge is installed. After that, it is important to use a floss threader to get under the bridge and to remove food that can cause plaque and tartar and lead to periodontal disease.

Make an Appointment Today

Welcoming New and Existing Patients

Are you searching for a new dentist in the Port St. Lucie, FL region? Look no further! Lucie Dental will be happy to schedule you for a free consultation and take care of all your dentistry needs. Dr. Azari offers a wide range of general, cosmetic, and restorative services all in one convenient location. From I-95, take Exit 121 approximately 1.5 miles east. You can find our office in the Shoppes of St. Lucie West across from the Publix. Book your appointment today by contacting us online or by calling (772) 348-4409.

1449 NW St Lucie W Blvd, Port St Lucie, FL 34986

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(772) 348-4409

Dental Bridges in Jupiter, FL