Dental Bridges – Cary, NC
The Answer to Incomplete Smiles
If you’re among the 120 million Americans missing at least one tooth, a dental bridge in Cary has the ability to restore your smile. Dr. Darren Koch brings unmatched expertise and knowledge to the table to help you achieve the best aesthetic and functional result possible. Plus, if you’re looking for an even more stable and permanent solution to replacing missing teeth, we can anchor your bridge to dental implants. The choice is yours! To start your journey towards a renewed smile, schedule a consultation today.
Why Choose Darren G. Koch, D.D.S., P.A. for Dental Bridges?
- A Dentist Committed to Excellent Quality
- Personalized Treatments & Service
- Lasting Results Using Advanced Technology
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a common, cost-effective way to treat tooth loss. It involves the use of custom-made prosthetic teeth that fill the space of the missing teeth. The restoration itself is held in place by dental crowns that are fused to either side of free-standing replacement teeth, called pontics. For example, a “three tooth” bridge is supported by two teeth and replaces a single missing tooth.
Types of Dental Bridges
If you are looking for an affordable and effective means to treat your tooth loss, a traditional bridge may be the right option for you. This is especially true if there is insufficient bone to permit placement of a dental implant.
Traditional
Traditional bridges are anchored in place with two dental crowns that are permanently cemented onto the existing teeth on either side of the gap in your smile. This treatment is excellent for patients who want faster results and don’t want to undergo oral surgery, and they can last for well over a decade with good dental hygiene.
Implant-Retained
Dental bridges can also be retained by dental implants, which are small titanium posts that are surgically placed below the gumline and into the jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth. This method offers enhanced stability, prevents the jawbone from eroding with time, and can last for over 35 years with proper maintenance. It’s excellent for patients looking for a more lifelike aesthetic and feel.
TThe Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
Regardless of what type of dental bridge you opt for, by making the decision to restore your smile, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of benefits, including:
- Boosted confidence with a complete smile.
- Natural-looking results that blend in with existing teeth.
- Maintenance of dental alignment by preventing surrounding teeth from shifting.
- Reduced risk of common oral health concerns like additional tooth loss and gum disease.
- Ability to last 15 or more years with a good hygiene routine.
- Improved eating and speaking abilities.
Dental Bridges FAQs
When our team suggests getting a dental bridge to replace your missing teeth, we’ll always take the time to answer any questions that you might have. We want you to feel like you know exactly what you can expect from your new prosthesis as well as what the process will look like. You can start expanding your dental bridge knowledge right now with the help of the FAQs listed below; let us know if you have a question that isn’t answered on this page.
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?
Some dental bridges need to be replaced after 5 years, but others are able to last for 15 years or longer. The location of the dental bridge can affect its longevity; if it’s used to replace the back teeth, it may wear down faster due to playing a bigger role in chewing your food.
The care you give your dental bridge is a major factor in determining its lifespan. Brushing regularly, staying away from tough-to-chew foods, and avoiding bad habits like nail-biting can all help your bridge last longer.
Is a Partial Denture the Same as a Bridge?
You may hear partial dentures referred to as “removable bridges”, but make no mistake: they are two very different forms of tooth replacement. A partial denture is made to be taken out of your mouth, but a bridge should stay anchored in place at all times and should only ever be removed by your dentist. On top of that, a partial denture can be personalized to replace teeth in different parts of your mouth, but a bridge is specifically used to fill in a single gap left by one or more consecutive teeth.
If you’re not sure whether to get a dental bridge or a partial denture, our team can help you figure out the best decision based on your needs.
What Can You Not Eat with a Dental Bridge?
You should still be able to enjoy most of your favorite foods after replacing teeth with a dental bridge. However, sticky foods (with caramel and fruit gummies being particularly common examples) might loosen or even dislodge your prosthesis, so it may be best to cut them out of your diet entirely. Also, try not to consume too much sugar, as doing so could increase the risk of cavities forming in the teeth that your bridge is attached to.
Are Dental Bridges Covered by Insurance?
Most dental insurance plans are willing to pay for dental bridges. Coverage is often around 50%, but this may not be the case for every plan, and factors such as your deductible and your annual maximum may affect your out-of-pocket costs. We can help you navigate your dental insurance plan so that you can get the most out of your benefits, and we can file any necessary claims for you.
