Dental Bridges – Dix Hills, NY

If you’ve suffered from tooth loss, you know just how difficult it can be to complete daily tasks, like chewing your food, speaking clearly, and smiling with confidence. The good news is that there are a variety of tooth replacement options out there that can help to fill unsightly gaps in your smile. At Dix Hills Family Dentistry, we offer customized dental bridges to restore the appearance and function of your teeth. To find out if a dental bridge in Dix Hills is the right option for you, give us a call to set up a consultation!

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a restoration that’s used to replace one or more consecutive missing teeth. Typically, this is anywhere from one to four missing teeth in a row. The bridge is composed of two crowns and a number of replacement teeth known as “pontics.” The crowns will be anchored onto your adjacent teeth or dental implants depending on the type of bridge you end up getting. This restoration can be made from a variety of durable, natural-looking materials.

Types of Dental Bridges

The style of bridge that you get depends on the location and number of missing teeth you have. Here are the two different types:

Traditional Bridge

For patients who still have healthy teeth on either side of the gap that needs to be filled in, a traditional bridge is often the ideal option. The teeth that support the dental crowns are known as “abutment teeth,” and they will need to be slightly altered by your dentist so that the bridge fits comfortably in the mouth. This type of restoration can be placed in just a few visits and is typically the most affordable type of bridge.

Implant Bridge

If you don’t have healthy adjacent teeth, surgically implanted metal posts, also known as dental implants, can provide an alternative. Dental implants can be used where there are three or more missing teeth in a row. Implant bridges last longer than traditional bridges on average, and they help to prevent bone loss over time thanks to missing teeth.

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

Here are some of the numerous benefits that you can expect when you get your new dental bridge:

• Prevents surrounding teeth from shifting out of place
• Improves overall confidence and self-esteem
• Allows for thorough chewing
• Improves speech articulation
• Lowers risk of oral health issues
• Cost-effective tooth replacement option