Dental Bridges – Bellevue, WA
Flawlessly Fill Your Smile’s Gap
Are you missing at least one of your permanent teeth? If so, you’re far from the only one. In fact, more than 120 million Americans are in the same boat. Maybe you’ve been wondering how you could replace your teeth with a solution that looks like a natural part of your smile. Luckily, there’s a simple solution: a dental bridge in Bellevue. This custom-made restoration relies on support from your remaining teeth to stay firmly in place and flawlessly fill your smile’s gap. At Bellevue Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Preet Taneja can design a dental bridge that meets all of your unique needs. To learn more, contact us and schedule a consultation!
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic that is designed to literally “bridge” the gap left behind by one or more missing teeth. It consists of at least three dental crowns, with the crowns on either end anchored over the remaining teeth at the end of the empty space. Once the bridge has been placed, it prevents the adjacent teeth from drifting out of alignment while also restoring your appearance and biting force.
Types of Dental Bridges
When you visit Dr. Preet to discuss your tooth replacement options, she’ll talk to you about the specific goals you have in mind for your smile as well as the current state of your oral health. After examining your mouth, she can then determine which type of dental bridge would be ideal for you.
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge is created by fusing several dental crowns together the securing the two outermost ones over your remaining teeth while the crowns in the middle sit atop your gums. Compared to an implant bridge, traditional bridges are often considered less invasive and more affordable.
Implant Bridge
Instead of attaching a bridge to your natural teeth, we can place it on top of two dental implants. Each of these posts is inserted at either end of the empty space, so none of your remaining tooth structure needs to be modified. While implant bridges cost more up-front, they can last for much longer than traditional ones. Plus, they make chewing easier and prevent your jawbone from deteriorating.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
As your dentist in Bellevue will tell you, you’ll notice a huge difference in your day-to-day quality of life after you replace your lost teeth with a dental bridge. Some of the benefits of dental bridges include:
- Your remaining teeth won’t shift out of position and cause problems for your bite later on.
- You should have no difficulty eating your favorite foods and speaking with clarity.
- Traditional dental bridges can last for about 10 years, while implant bridges can last for 30 or more.
- You’ll be so much more confident now that you have a beautiful, complete smile!
Dental Bridge FAQs
It’s normal to still have questions about your prospective dental work. When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there are many options available. Deciding to choose a dental bridge in Bellevue should involve much research and discussion with your dentist. Having all your questions answered and concerns addressed will help you to feel more comfortable and confident in your decision. But until you reach that point, here are a few additional questions Dr. Taneja has received from previous patients over the years. Review the material below and contact us to discuss further during a scheduled appointment.
What is the process of receiving a dental bridge?
Once you are cleared for treatment, Dr. Taneja will administer a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. She will then begin to alter your healthy abutment teeth on either side of the gap. This is necessary to ensure your customized bridge will fit securely in place. After taking impressions of your smile, these images will be sent to a local dental lab where a newly designed dental bridge will be created according to the specifications provided.
While waiting for your permanent restoration to be created, you will be fitted with a temporary one, which you will wear in the meantime. Once it is ready, you will return to our dental office to have your temporary removed and your permanent bridge secured into place. The two exterior dental crowns will fit over your abutment teeth while the interior crowns will rest on top of your gums.
How can I make my dental bridge last longer?
Although dental bridges are not designed to last forever, you can expect to enjoy them for a decade or longer with proper care and maintenance. An implant denture can last even longer – up to 30 years or even a lifetime! To extend the longevity of your smile, however, there are a few key steps you can take, such as:
- Maintaining optimal oral hygiene by brushing twice a day for two minutes, flossing at least once a day before bedtime, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash
- Keeping your regularly scheduled six-month dental checkups and cleanings with our dental team
- Avoiding poor lifestyle habits, such as smoking, eating ice, biting your fingernails, or using your teeth as tools
- Limiting your consumption of sugar and starch, as these can cause cavities, and minimizing hard and crunchy foods to avoid damage
Can a dental bridge fail?
Much like any other type of restoration, there is the potential risk of failure. This can be avoided but is most likely to occur if you develop tooth decay, an infection, or cause damage to your restoration. If you neglect your oral hygiene routine, decay can form around your teeth and gums. If the bridge does not fit properly, there will be gaps where bacteria and plaque can easily enter.
If you eat ice or chew on hard, crunchy objects, you can damage your bridge and be required to find a “dentist near me” who will replace your restoration in a timely manner.
Will dental insurance cover my dental bridge?
While there is no set price for a dental bridge because each case is different, you may wonder if dental insurance will help cover the costs. Fortunately, most plans provide anywhere from 50-80% coverage for this type of restorative treatment. It is dependent upon whether your insurance company classifies it as a minor or major service. You can also expect your insurer to determine whether you’ve met your deductible and how much of your annual maximum remains available before deciding how much they will agree to pay. If you are unsure of how you can obtain this information, you can trust our Bellevue team to help you through the process while maximizing your benefits.
