Dental Bridges Hilliard, OH
Are you feeling self-conscious about a gap in your smile? Missing teeth can affect not only your appearance but also your ability to eat and speak comfortably. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with that space. A dental bridge is an excellent solution that closes the gap, restoring the function and beauty of your natural teeth.
At Hilliard Modern Dental, Dr. Benjamin R. Lamielle offers high-quality dental bridges to restore smiles affected by tooth loss. If you are missing one or more teeth, a bridge may be an ideal solution to restore function, protect your oral health, and maintain the natural appearance of your smile. Our team provides personalized dental care that considers your unique needs, ensuring the best outcome for both function and appearance.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a tooth replacement option that fills the gap left by missing teeth. It consists of one or more false teeth (also called pontics) that are securely anchored in place by dental crowns on the adjacent natural teeth or supported by dental implants.
Bridges can replace a single missing tooth or multiple teeth, depending on the size of the gap and the number of missing teeth. By filling in the space, bridges restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
With proper care, a dental bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Key factors that affect longevity include:
- Practicing good dental care and oral hygiene
- Avoiding habits like chewing on ice or using teeth as tools
- Maintaining regular dental checkups to monitor your bridge and the surrounding teeth
- Addressing any gum disease or tooth decay early to protect the abutment teeth
Many patients find that their bridge provides reliable function and appearance for decades when combined with routine preventive care.
Thinking about replacing a missing tooth? Contact our dental office today to schedule your consultation.
Why Dental Bridges Are Important for Oral Health
Replacing missing teeth is about more than just appearance. Gaps in your smile can lead to shifting of the surrounding teeth, bite misalignment, and an increased risk of tooth decay or gum disease. Over time, these issues can alter the shape of your face and even make it more challenging to eat or speak comfortably.
By choosing a dental bridge, you are protecting your oral health goals and preventing further complications that can arise from leaving spaces untreated. Bridges distribute chewing forces evenly across your teeth, ensuring no single abutment tooth or area of your mouth takes on too much force.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges, each suited to different needs:
Traditional Bridge
The most common option, a traditional bridge, uses dental crowns placed on adjacent healthy teeth to support a false tooth in the middle. This type works well when you have strong natural teeth on both sides of the gap.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is supported by a single abutment tooth on one side of the gap. This design is less common and typically recommended only in areas with less chewing pressure, such as the front of the mouth.
Maryland Bridge
Also called a resin-bonded bridge, this option uses metal or porcelain wings bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth. A Maryland bridge is often used to replace front teeth, as it avoids the need for full coverage dental crowns on the supporting teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Instead of relying on adjacent natural teeth, an implant-supported bridge uses dental implants placed in the jawbone. This option offers exceptional stability, is ideal for longer bridges, and helps preserve bone health.
Want to know which type of dental bridge is right for you? Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Lamielle at our Hilliard dental office.
Who Can Benefit from a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is an effective solution for many adults experiencing tooth loss. By filling the space left by a missing tooth, it restores both function and appearance. You may benefit from a dental bridge if you have:
- One or more missing teeth that leave a visible gap in your smile.
- Healthy adjacent teeth that can support the bridge and keep it secure.
- Good oral health overall, free from advanced gum disease or untreated tooth decay.
- A desire for a permanent, fixed option that does not require removal, such as partial dentures.
Bridges are particularly helpful if the missing tooth is located in an area where appearance and chewing function are essential, such as the front of the mouth or the side of the gap where much force is applied during meals. They not only restore the ability to chew and speak clearly but also help maintain the shape of your face by preventing surrounding teeth from shifting out of place.
Dr. Lamielle will carefully evaluate your oral health, including the condition of your gums, abutment teeth, and bite, before recommending this dental service. If you have strong supporting teeth and want a reliable tooth replacement solution, a dental bridge may be the best way to achieve your oral health goals.
Hilliard Modern Dental Bridge Procedure
At Hilliard Modern Dental, the dental bridge procedure is straightforward and designed for your comfort. For a traditional bridge, you can typically expect the process to be completed in two visits.
During your first visit, Dr. Lamielle will gently prepare the abutment teeth by reshaping them to allow the crowns to fit perfectly. Afterward, we will take dental impressions, which are sent to a lab to create your custom, permanent bridge. Before you leave our dental office, a temporary bridge will be placed to protect your teeth.
A few weeks later, during your second appointment, we will remove the temporary bridge and check the fit and color of your new permanent bridge. Once we ensure everything is perfect, Dr. Lamielle will securely bond the bridge into place. Our team ensures the entire process is as smooth and comfortable as possible, leaving you with a beautifully restored smile.
Comparing Dental Bridges with Other Tooth Replacement Options
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, patients often consider bridges, implants, or dentures. Each option has unique advantages, and the best choice depends on your oral health goals, number of missing teeth, and long-term expectations.
Dental Bridges vs. Implants
Dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone, acting as artificial roots to support a crown or bridge. They are highly durable and do not rely on adjacent teeth for support. However, they require a healthy amount of bone and a longer healing process. Dental bridges, on the other hand, are anchored to adjacent natural teeth, making them an excellent choice if implants are not feasible or if a quicker result is desired.
Dental Bridges vs. Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace multiple missing teeth and can be removed for cleaning. While they are generally more affordable, they may not offer the same stability or natural feel as a fixed dental bridge. Bridges are permanently cemented in place, providing more security when eating or speaking.
Finding the Best Option
The best way to decide between a bridge, implant, or denture is to consult with Dr. Lamielle at our dental office in Hilliard, Ohio. During your visit, we’ll review your medical history, evaluate surrounding teeth and gum tissue, and recommend treatment options that support your long-term oral health.
Benefits of Choosing a Dental Bridge
Dental bridges offer more than just a solution for filling a gap in your smile—they provide lasting improvements to both your appearance and overall oral health. By replacing missing teeth with a stable, natural-looking option, you can restore balance and function to your mouth while preventing future complications.
Restoring Function
A dental bridge makes everyday activities like chewing and speaking easier. When a missing tooth disrupts your bite, it can put strain on your surrounding teeth and jaw. A properly placed bridge redistributes pressure evenly, reducing the risk of uneven wear or dental pain.
Supporting Oral Health
Filling the gap left by a missing tooth prevents your remaining natural teeth from shifting out of place. This is important for maintaining proper alignment and avoiding the need for more complex orthodontic treatment in the future. A bridge also supports the gum tissue around the site, lowering the risk of gum disease.
Improving Aesthetics and Confidence
Beyond functionality, a bridge restores the natural shape of your face and enhances the appearance of your smile. Whether it’s for front teeth or back teeth, bridges are crafted to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, giving you renewed confidence.
Your Partner in Hilliard for an Enhanced Smile
Dental bridges are an effective solution for restoring your smile and improving oral health. They not only fill the gaps left by missing teeth but also help maintain the shape of your face and prevent remaining teeth from shifting.
At Hilliard Modern Dental, we are dedicated to restoring smiles with solutions tailored to your unique needs. Whether you require a traditional bridge, an implant-supported bridge, or another type of dental bridge, Dr. Lamielle will create a treatment plan focused on your comfort, function, and long-term dental health.
Ready to restore your smile with a dental bridge? Call Hilliard Modern Dental at 614-529-9644 to schedule your consultation today.
