Cosmetic Dentist in Colorado Springs Creates Stable Smiles with Dental Bridges
At Gleneagle Dental, our cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs specializes in creating stable, functional, and beautiful smiles using dental bridges. A dental bridge is a prosthetic device designed to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth. This gap can pose a risk to your oral health by allowing neighboring teeth to shift, which may lead to misalignment and bite issues. By utilizing the two adjacent teeth as anchors, a dental bridge helps restore your smile and maintain the integrity of your bite.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are three primary types of dental bridges that our cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs may recommend, depending on your specific needs:
1. Traditional Fixed Bridge: This is the most commonly used type of bridge. It involves placing porcelain crowns on the two adjacent teeth to serve as anchors for the false tooth, known as a pontic. The pontic is typically crafted from porcelain fused to metal or ceramic materials, ensuring both durability and a natural appearance.
2. Cantilever Bridge: Ideal for situations where teeth are present on only one side of the gap, cantilever bridges are often used in areas of the mouth that experience less biting force, such as the front teeth. This type of bridge is anchored on just one side.
3. Resin-Bonded Bridge: In this type of bridge, metal bands are bonded to the surrounding teeth using a strong resin, securing a plastic false tooth in place. Resin-bonded bridges are typically used in lower-stress areas of the mouth, such as the front teeth, where aesthetic considerations are important.
How the Procedure Works
Placing a dental bridge typically requires a minimum of two visits to our practice. During your first appointment, we will carry out three essential steps to prepare for the bridge placement.
1. Preparation of Surrounding Teeth: The first step involves preparing the teeth adjacent to the gap. This may include reshaping the teeth so they can properly support the crowns that will be placed on them.
2. Impression Taking: After preparing the teeth, we will take detailed impressions to send to our dental laboratory, where your custom bridge and crowns will be created. These impressions ensure a precise fit for your new dental work.
3. Temporary Bridge Fitting: To protect the prepared teeth while the permanent bridge is crafted, we will place a temporary bridge. This temporary solution will help you maintain your smile and functionality during the waiting period.
During your second visit with Dr. Wonnacott, the temporary bridge will be removed, and your new dental bridge will be carefully fitted and adjusted for comfort and function. It’s essential to have multiple visits if necessary to ensure that the fit is perfect and that your bite is correctly aligned.
The Importance of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges not only enhance the aesthetics of your smile but also restore function, allowing you to chew and speak normally. At Gleneagle Dental, our cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs is dedicated to providing personalized care and high-quality dental solutions tailored to your unique needs. If you’re dealing with the consequences of missing teeth, contact us today by calling (719) 488-2222 to explore how dental bridges can transform your smile and improve your oral health.
