Dr. Glen Wainwright offers dental bridges in Austin, TX. Dental bridges are a restorative dental option that can be anchored by natural adjacent teeth or dental implants. When using existing teeth it is often necessary to place dental crowns for the most stable result. When used in conjunction with dental implants, dental bridges can be permanent, long-lasting replacements for missing teeth.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
If the gaps between teeth are not filled, multiple problems can occur:
- Shifting teeth
- Misaligned bite
- Tooth decay
- Overcrowding
- Gum disease
Dental bridges can also offer many benefits to patients with missing teeth. Dental bridges can:
- Restore the ability to bite and chew evenly
- Prevent teeth from shifting
- Help support any remaining tooth structure
- Maintain a patient’s face shape
Call 512-518-6392 if you have multiple missing teeth and think you would benefit from a dental bridge. Our dental staff will work with you to see if this restoration is right for you.
Treatment with Dental Bridges in Austin, TX
Dr. Wainwright will assess your oral health to determine if you have enough healthy bone and gum tissue needed for this procedure. He will also review any dental x-rays to determine if a dental bridge is right for you. Dr. Wainwright will then create a comprehensive plan for the placement of the dental bridge. If there are any natural teeth adjacent to tooth gaps, they will be shaped to ensure that they can properly support the bridge.
Dental impressions will be made of teeth and then sent to the lab, where the dental bridge is fabricated. Dental bridges usually consist of a metal framework that is covered by porcelain to improve the aesthetics of the patient’s smile. When complete, Dr. Wainwright will ensure that the dental bridge fits properly before it is attached with adhesive cement.
Traditional Vs. Implant-Supported Bridges
Traditional bridges and implant-supported bridges are quite similar. The biggest difference is how they’re supported in your mouth. Traditional bridges can be either removable or fixed and are supported by two of your other natural teeth. Implant-supported bridges are usually fixed and are supported by dental implants instead of actual teeth.
Traditional bridges are often ideal for people because they’re able to be done quickly. Tooth structure is removed from the supporting teeth to make room for the restoration and it’s then able to be placed. However, traditional bridges don’t last as long as other methods. They can also put a lot of stress on those supporting teeth. They’re more susceptible to tooth decay and damage because of the restoration.
Implant-supported bridges are sturdier and last longer than the traditional method. This is because dental implants replace your natural teeth and can take more wear and tear than them. But not everyone is eligible for implant-supported bridges. You have to have a certain amount of bone structure to support the implants, be in good oral health, and can’t have some underlying conditions or be taking certain medications.
Dental Bridge FAQs
How do you clean a dental bridge?
A removable dental bridge should be removed and cleaned twice a day. You can purchase bridge-cleaning products to maintain your bridge, or you can simply and gently brush your bridge with regular toothpaste like you would your natural teeth. Implant secured dental bridges can be maintained like regular natural teeth and do not need special products to keep them in tip-top shape.
Are dental bridges painful?
No. Dental bridges are made to fit snuggly with your existing teeth. They do not force or push against teeth since they are not made for malocclusion correction. Once a permanent bridge is placed, you will not be in pain. You may need to give yourself some time to get used to the bridge.
What causes pain under a dental bridge?
If you have pain under your current dental bridge, it can mean that it does not fit correctly anymore. Ill-fitting bridges contribute to gum irritation and bleeding. Be sure to brush and floss under your bridge regularly to dislodge stuck food particles.
Schedule a Dental Exam with our Dentist in Austin, TX
Call Austin Dental Care at 512-518-6392. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Wainwright and his team on our website. Dr. Wainwright is a dentist in Austin, TX that serves patients in West Austin, Lost Creek, West Lake Hills, Barton Creek, and all of Travis County, Texas.