Filling the gaps in your smile, restoring confidence and healthy function with dental bridges
Tooth loss is not a “normal” part of aging. And by partnering with Dr. William E. Wyatt, Jr. and our team at Flower Mound Dental, it never has to be in your future. You can keep all of your teeth with proactive, gentle, fear-free dentistry. Now, should we be unable to preserve a badly broken or deeply infected tooth, our team also takes a proactive stance to replace teeth and restore smiles among our valued patients in North Texas.
It is essential to discuss options, such as dental bridges, promptly. Tooth loss not only mars the appearance of your smile and your ability to “use” your remaining teeth. It also adversely affects the bone in the jaw. Without stimulation from the teeth, the bone shrinks. If you don’t use it, you lose it! Bone loss can prematurely “age” your face and hasten the functional and health effects associated with tooth loss.
Dental bridge design
The dental bridge procedure has been used to replace teeth for many years. It is a permanent option requiring little maintenance, compared to removable dental prosthetics, such as conventional removable partials or full/complete dentures. The design of a dental bridge depends on the presence of some healthy teeth in the mouth. Notably, the neighboring teeth are used to support the replacement tooth. These teeth are called “abutments”; they anchor the “pontic” or prosthetic tooth.
The abutments are crowned to properly support the pontic over the long term. All teeth that are crowned must be reduced in size and reshaped. This step is necessary to ensure each crown properly fits on top of the tooth. The crowns and the pontic are then fused together. Once placed over the reduced abutment teeth, the pontic fills the space and replaces the natural tooth. The abutments, then, anchor or hold up the pontic.
Bridges may also be used to replace more than one tooth. Your suitability for this treatment depends on factors such as the health and location of the remaining teeth in your mouth. Generally, bridges can last for many years with good brushing and flossing at home and regular visits to our Flower Mound, Texas office for professional cleanings and exams. We can also advise on ways to properly clean underneath the bridge. The space may be tight. So, patients find interdental brushes and floss threaders to be helpful and to ensure all plaque & food particles have been removed.
Everything You Need to Know About Dental Bridges
What is a dental bridge?
Missing a tooth can affect your speech, confidence, and eating. A dental bridge is a restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It “bridges” the gap left by missing teeth using artificial teeth (called pontics) anchored by crowns or dental implants on either side.
Does getting a dental bridge hurt?
No! Just like getting a filling, we’ll numb the treatment area with local anesthetics to maximize your comfort. Sedation dentistry is also available to overcome anxiety.
Can I take a bridge out?
Dental bridges are designed to be a permanent solution for tooth loss that emulates the stability of natural teeth. They are attached to the neighboring teeth with durable adhesives, which makes them secure. Unlike traditional dentures, bridges cannot be removed, even during cleaning. They can only be removed by a dentist during routine maintenance. If you want a removable option, partial dentures are an excellent solution.
How many teeth can a dental bridge replace?
A traditional dental bridge can replace 1-3 teeth in a row. It can replace more teeth, but that would make your bridge unstable over time. Your dentist will recommend stabilizing your bridge with dental implants if more teeth need to be replaced.
What are the alternatives to dental bridges?
Losing teeth can feel like you have lost a part of yourself. The good news is that modern dentistry offers several options for replacing missing teeth. Besides bridges, you can restore your smile with dentures that look and feel like natural teeth. However, dental implants offer an excellent option if you want a durable, realistic-looking alternative.
How much does a dental bridge cost in Flower Mound?
The cost varies depending on the type of bridge, the material used, and the number of teeth being replaced. On average, dental bridges in Flower Mound range from $1,500 to $3,000 per tooth. After an in-person consultation, our team will provide a personalized estimate.
Will my dental bridge look natural?
Some people may hesitate to use dental bridges because they look unnatural. However, expertly placed bridges are virtually undetectable! Modern dental bridges are crafted from high-quality materials that closely match your natural teeth in color, shape, and shine—so your smile looks seamless.
Does insurance cover dental bridges?
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of a dental bridge, especially when it’s needed to restore chewing function. Our office can help verify your benefits and minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Can dental bridges get cavities?
The bridge itself cannot decay, but the supporting teeth underneath can develop cavities if not cleaned properly. Daily brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups help protect your bridge and surrounding teeth.
Where can I find high-quality dental bridges near me?
Losing teeth is more than a gap in your mouth—it’s a gap in your joy and confidence. The good news? Dental bridges in Flower Mound, Texas, offer an excellent option to restore your smile and confidence. Call (972) 351-8555 and restore your smile with top-tier bridges at Flower Mound Dental.
Restore Your Smile With Dental Bridges in Flower Mound, TX
Dr. Wyatt can also discuss modern alternatives to conventional dental bridges during your consultation. These include dental implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures. Instead of relying on other teeth for support, these prosthetics are held in place by implants. Positioned in the jawbone, implants function like tooth roots. This alternative also does not require the removal of tooth structure from otherwise healthy teeth, as is the case with dental bridges that use crowned abutments.
Call (972) 351-8555 with questions or to book your appointment today!
