In many cases, once you lose one tooth, others soon follow. If you are missing several teeth in a row, you may struggle to chew properly and may be feeling self-conscious about your smile. A dental bridge is a restoration designed to replace one to three teeth in a row. At 5 Star Dentists, we provide both traditional and implant-supported dental bridges to suit your needs. Drs. Gregory Pham and Andrew Tran can work together to provide all aspects of your treatment conveniently at our offices in Sugar Land and Houston, TX. For the most realistic results, we use the finest materials.
How Does a Dental Bridge Work?
Dental bridges are designed to close the gap in your smile, restoring your ability to chew and speak properly as well as the natural aesthetics. A dental bridge can replace up to three consecutive teeth in a row. This larger restoration consists of one or more pontics or false teeth. Traditional bridges are anchored by dental crowns placed over the teeth on either side of the gap.
Dental bridges literally bridge the gap in your smile with ceramic false teeth that is anchored by crowns.
Implant-supported bridges are secured using dental implants instead of dental crowns, which are surgically placed into the jawbone. When possible, an implant-supported bridge is highly recommended as they offer greater stability, as well as all the other invaluable oral health benefits afforded by dental implants. During your consultation, Dr. Tran will evaluate your smile to determine which option is right for you.
Traditional Bridges
Placing a traditional dental bridge typically requires two appointments. During the first visit, the doctor will need to first reshape the teeth that will anchor your restoration so that crowns fit comfortably into your smile. For this procedure, we provide both local anesthetic, which numbs the treatment area, and sedation, which helps patients who suffer from dental anxiety relax.
Once your teeth have been prepared, the doctor can then use our CEREC system to take digital impressions. These are then sent to a trusted local lab, where they will serve as the basis for your custom restoration. This process can take several weeks, after which you can return to our office for placement.
A dental bridge is a restoration designed to replace one to three teeth in a row.
Dental Implant Placement
If you elect to receive an implant-supported bridge, the process is typically much longer. After an initial consultation, you can schedule your implant placement surgery, which will be performed by Dr. Pham. Once the implant has been placed, you will need to allow the implant posts to fully fuse with the jawbone before your finalized bridge is placed. This process typically takes about three to four months. You will be provided with a temporary restoration during this time to protect your implant. Once your jaw has fully healed, you can return to have your bridge attached to your implant posts.
Creating Lifelike Restorations
To provide you with natural-looking results tailored to your budget, we offer dental bridges created from a variety of materials, including:
- All ceramic
- Porcelain with a zirconia core
- Zirconia
You can discuss your options with your doctor to determine which material suits your needs. Each of these materials can be used to create a high-quality dental bridge that blends seamlessly with your smile.
Restore Confidence in Your Smile
We pride ourselves in providing patients with solutions that protect their oral health and enhance their smile. Contact us online, call us today at (832) 831-5417, or reach out to our Sugar Land office to schedule your consultation.
