A missing tooth can affect more than just your appearance; it can impact your confidence, your bite, and your overall oral health. At Greene & Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Kelsey Greene and Dr. Stephen Ratcliff offer a reliable and beautiful solution to fill that gap: a dental bridge. If you’re in Arlington or Grand Prairie, TX, and considering your tooth replacement options, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Dental Bridge Basics
A dental bridge is a series of dental crowns that are supported between two natural teeth (or by dental implants) and fill a gap caused by a missing tooth or teeth. Think of it as a bridge spanning a gap, with the teeth on either side acting as anchors, or abutments. The replacement tooth, called a pontic, is fused between the crowns to create a seamless, functional, and natural-looking restoration.
Why Might You Need a Dental Bridge?
Losing a tooth can set off a chain reaction of dental issues. A bridge helps prevent these problems and restores your smile’s health and function. You might be a good candidate if you want to:
- Prevent Teeth from Shifting: An empty space allows adjacent teeth to drift into the gap, leading to a misaligned bite.
- Restore Proper Chewing and Speech: A full set of teeth is essential for chewing food properly and speaking clearly.
- Improve Aesthetics: A bridge closes the gap, giving you a complete and confident smile.
- Maintain Facial Structure: Missing teeth can lead to a sunken look in the face over time.
- Distribute Bite Forces Evenly: A bridge helps share the workload, preventing excess wear and tear on your remaining teeth.
The Dental Bridge Process at Our Practice
We make the process of getting a dental bridge smooth and comfortable. Here’s what you can expect at our Arlington office:
- Consultation & Exam: Dr. Greene or Dr. Ratcliff will perform a thorough examination, including digital imaging, to determine if a bridge is the right solution for you.
- Abutment Preparation: The anchor teeth on either side of the gap are carefully prepared to receive the crowns. We take precise digital impressions to ensure a perfect fit.
- Temporary Bridge: While your custom bridge is being made, we will place a temporary one to protect your prepared teeth and gums.
- Custom Fabrication: Your impressions are sent to a specialized dental lab where skilled technicians craft your permanent bridge to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
- Final Fitting: Once your bridge is ready, you’ll return to our office. We will remove the temporary bridge and permanently cement the new one into place, checking your bite and making any necessary adjustments for a perfect fit.
Benefits and Aftercare
With proper care, a dental bridge can last for many years. The key is excellent oral hygiene. You’ll need to clean under the pontic daily using a floss threader or special bridge floss to prevent plaque buildup. Brushing twice a day and attending regular cleanings at our office are also essential for maintaining the health of your bridge and surrounding teeth.
Bridges are a durable, fixed solution that restores function and beauty without the need for removable appliances.
Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?
If you have one or more missing teeth and healthy neighboring teeth to act as anchors, you are likely a great candidate for a dental bridge. For those without strong adjacent teeth, an implant-supported bridge may be an option.
Don’t let a missing tooth hold you back. The team at Greene & Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is here to help patients in Arlington and Grand Prairie restore their smiles. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Greene or Dr. Ratcliff and find out if a dental bridge is the right choice for you.
CONTACT GREENE & RATCLIFF FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY:
817-274-7875
LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):
909 W Mitchell St Arlington, Texas 76013
