Dental Bridges | Mesa, AZ

How does one even eat without teeth?

For those suffering from missing teeth, a bridge is the instant solution needed to replace one or more mislaid teeth. Dr. Huynh in Mesa, AZ can consult with you on these possible solutions.

Essentially a crown but for multiple teeth, a bridge serves to “bridge the gap” between one or more missing teeth, using the natural teeth on each side of the gap to act as anchors for your new bridge, holding it in place.

A bridge can actually help your overall bone and jaw health, too, promoting better movement and improving the bite. It’s been proven to restore proper speech, an especially important feature amongst professional orators in any field.

A bridge also works to ensure the future health and maintenance of your existing teeth by keeping them in a natural and healthy position for the years to come.

An instant makeover for any smile, a bridge is comprised of perfectly formed, false teeth called pontics that serve as a replacement for any natural teeth that are missing. Gold, porcelain, and alloy are all popular materials used for pontics, and Dr. Huynh will recommend the best option for you based on your lifestyle and budget.

Cosmetically, a bridge serves as an instant refresh for your smile. While once marred by unsightly gaps, your smile is now transformed by a bridge which literally fills in the gaps with flawless new teeth, custom-created to your natural shape and style.

Round out your face by evening your features; restoring symmetry within the facial features can also affect overall body perception and balance, as well!

There are three main kinds of bridges, with each highlighting a different purpose by serving a different need.

• Traditional bridges - The most common type of bridge, a traditional bridge is made of either ceramics or porcelain fused to metals. They use the placement of a pontic between either a crown or implant.
• Maryland bonded bridges - Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, a Maryland bonded bridge can be made of porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. Another option is to use plastic teeth and gums that are placed within a more traditional framework of metal or porcelain.
• Cantilever bridges  - These are used when there are existing teeth on one side of the bridge. Given better developments in technology, this type of bridge is not so commonly used as in the past, but when they are still used, they are placed toward the back of the mouth since they fail to distribute weight evenly amongst existing teeth and can ultimately weaken them.

A bridge may take more than a single visit to affix, so Dr. Huynh will offer a temporary bridge at your first appointment at Eastport Dental in Mesa, AZ to provide you immediate relief. However, in order to guarantee the right fit and look for you personally, it will require a bit of time and some assistance from our professional dental laboratory.

The abutment teeth will need to be prepared through a refinishing process of the tooth. A small layer of enamel is removed in order to provide proper placement and a snug fit for your crown. Impressions will also be taken and are an important part of the process because they provide the foundation for not just your crown, but also the pontics and bridge.

During your second visit, you can ditch the temporary bridge in favor of a brand-new, custom-designed bridge. Dr. Huynh and his team will conduct a thorough, in-office examination and make any adjustments necessary to ensure a perfect, comfortable fit.

Additional visits may be needed in the future, but these are usually strategically worked into other appointments to ensure constant health and comfort. And, with no down time needed, you don’t have to worry about scheduling time off for numerous visits or extended recovery times!

With some fixed bridges lasting up to 10 years, a dental bridge can last up to 15 years if cared for appropriately.

Our team will take care to teach you the best at-home care methods in order to preserve and prolong the life of your bridge.

While some bridges may be removable, others may be permanent and are known as fixed bridges. These can either be temporarily or permanently cemented into place based on Dr Huynh’s evaluation and recommendation on fit.

Your insurance will affect the cost of treatment, but a bridge is typically covered for most policies. Our office care team will be able to advise on best options based on your insurance plan and budget.

Just another reason why it’s so important to have an educated and experienced dental team on your side.

Schedule a consultation with Eastport Dental today!