As an experienced restorative dentist, Dr. Gerald offers several restorative dental services to replace any number of missing teeth. If you are missing one or several consecutive teeth, Dr. Gerald can provide you with a dental bridge in Vienna, VA. He will work with you to create a custom dental bridge treatment plan that meets your oral health concerns.
A dental bridge is a dental prosthetic that restores consecutive missing teeth. Dental bridges are an effective way to restore the appearance and function of your smile. They can improve your ability to speak clearly and chew food comfortably.
Our modern dental bridges near you will look and feel like your natural teeth. Dr. Gerald can secure a bridge in place by attaching it to adjacent teeth or dental implants! Keep reading to learn how Dr. Gerald and out team helps our patients discover the best dental restoration for their needs.
Dental Bridges in Vienna, VA
Dr. Matthew Gerald offers affordable dental bridge treatment at his dental office in Vienna, VA. He works with a local dental lab to ensure that our dental bridges are precise and comfortable for our patients. Dr. Gerald can also provide implant-supported dental bridges for longer-lasting results. There are many benefits to replacing missing teeth, particularly rows of lost teeth.
A dental bridge is a cosmetic tooth replacement that consists of two or more dental crowns, also known as abutment teeth. The abutments act as anchors that support the prosthetic teeth (or pontics) in between them.
A pontic or artificial tooth consists of a type of high-strength porcelain, or Zirconia. Natural teeth or dental implants on both sides of the gap support these pontics. There are three main types of dental bridges.
- Traditional Bridge. A traditional bridge is the most common type of dental bridge. It consists of a dental crown that sits on top of the two anchor teeth on either side of the pontic. We call it an implant-supported bridge when using dental implants instead of anchor teeth to secure it to your mouth.
- Cantilever Bridge. A dentist uses a cantilever bridge when there are only teeth on one side of the pontic to support the bridge. Because of this, they aren’t as strong as a traditional bridge. Cantilever bridges are not that great for using in the back of a person’s mouth where they could easily break.
- Maryland-bonded Bridge. A Maryland bridge is a set of artificial teeth like a fixed bridge. However, the dentist bonds it directly to teeth on either side of the gap. The bridge consists of a metal framework and porcelain crowns that mimic the look of natural teeth. A dentist often uses this type of bridge when there are healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
If you decide to get a fixed bridge without dental implants, the process will be faster and cost less. In this case, Dr. Gerald will secure two dental crowns to two adjacent teeth to hold the bridge in place. He will have to reduce these two adjacent teeth to make room for the crowns.
First, he will start the traditional dental bridge procedure by numbing your mouth. Then, he will prepare the abutment teeth for their dental crowns by smoothing them down and carefully shaping them. Next, he will clean your mouth and take a digital impression of your teeth using the Trios 5 scanner. Dr. Gerald will send these impressions to our dental lab for fabrication.
While they are creating your permanent bridge, we may place a temporary bridge or dental crown until your next appointment. Dr. Gerald will remove your temporary bridge or crown and place your permanent bridge after it arrives from the lab. He will make sure that it fits perfectly and is comfortable before permanently attaching it.
At Dr. Gerald’s dental office, your comfort and safety are our highest priority. Placing a dental bridge in your mouth should be a virtually painless experience. Some swelling or discomfort may occur after the procedure. Be sure to contact us if these symptoms do not resolve quickly.
Removable vs. Fixed Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is essentially a row of fused fake teeth that make one dental prosthetic. There are several ways to secure a bridge.
A removable dental bridge is not a permanent solution for your missing teeth. It is typically a temporary solution while you wait for the final fixed bridge from the dental lab. This is because removable bridges do not help retain the bite.
Removable dental bridges may cost less than fixed options, but they do not come with the same long-term benefits. Fixed dental bridges have more support from natural teeth covered by crowns or dental implants.
An implant-supported dental bridge is the best treatment for patients missing several consecutive teeth. This method of replacing teeth does not involve harming the remaining teeth. Additionally, they create a stable foundation for the bridge because they restore the teeth at their root. The dentist or oral surgeon inserts two or more implant fixtures into the jawbone during a surgical procedure.
It takes about three to six months for them to fuse with the bone. Then, the dentist will make a custom dental bridge to attach to them. The implant-supported dental bridge will be very stable allowing you to eat a greater variety of food. Dr. Gerald collaborates with local oral surgeons and dental specialists for the surgical implantation portion of the treatment.
Dental Bridge FAQs
What happens if you get a cavity under a bridge?
Your only option is to get a new bridge if you have a dental bridge and get a cavity underneath it. the dentist will first remove the bridge to access the cavity. He will fill the cavity and restore the tooth.
Then he will provide you with a new bridge once your tooth is healthy again. Two new crowns can support your bridge if you opt for a dental implant to replace your missing tooth.
Can I remove and put back on a fixed bridge?
When a bridge becomes loose, your dentist can usually remove, repair, and then re-cement it back into place. However, it’s important to remember that the dental cement that bonds a bridge in place is strong. So it’s not always possible to remove a bridge without damaging the supporting teeth on either side of the gap.
How many teeth can you have on a dental bridge?
Bridges can replace anywhere from one to four missing teeth. Most people only end up needing to replace a single tooth or two. But in some cases, a dental bridge can replace up to four teeth.
For example, if there are enough healthy teeth in your mouth to connect the bridge with dental crowns. It may affect the number of teeth we can replace if you are susceptible to more tooth loss.
How long do dental bridges last?
A dental bridge can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. The lifespan of a dental bridge depends on the patient’s diligence and proper care of their teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene and brushing and flossing every day will almost guarantee the longest life.
What is better: an implant or a bridge?
Since dental implants are more long-lasting than bridges, they can protect your teeth for the rest of your life. The implant’s titanium cylinder is extremely resistant to gum disease and tooth decay. Both are good options, however, implants are more secure and longer lasting.
Contact Our Dental Office Today
Do you want to fill the gap in your mouth to create a full and more balanced smile? Book an appointment with Dr. Gerald today to see if a dental bridge is the right treatment for you. We provide dental care services for the cities of Vienna, Oakton, Tysons and beyond. We accept dental insurance and will do our best to work within your budget.
Call our Vienna office for restorative dental treatments today at (703) 721-4796! You can also request a dental bridge consultation on our website. We look forward to seeing you on your next visit and helping you resolve your oral health needs.