Reclaiming Your Smile: The Transformative Power of Dental Bridges Near You
Missing teeth can impact more than just your smile; they can affect your confidence, speech, and ability to enjoy your favorite foods. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers remarkable solutions. Dental bridges alleviate pain while eating by restoring missing teeth and stabilizing surrounding teeth. Dr. Roberts, a top dentist in Kirkland, understands the profound difference a complete smile can make.
Serving the Kirkland, WA area and surrounding communities like Redmond, Bellevue, and Woodinville, Dr. Roberts’ practice is committed to providing comprehensive care. If you’re considering your options for tooth replacement, connect with us today at (425) 284-0515 to explore how dental bridges can restore your dental health and oral well-being. For dental excellence, call the best dentist in Kirkland.
Why Choose Our Local Kirkland Dentist Near You For Dental Bridges?
Why Choose Our Local Kirkland Dentist Near You For Dental Bridges?Choosing our local Kirkland dentist also means accessible post-procedure care. After your dental bridge is placed, having a dentist nearby for routine check-ups, dental care cleanings, and any necessary adjustments is crucial for the longevity of your bridge and your overall oral health. Dr. Roberts and our team are readily available to provide ongoing support, helping you maintain your new smile for years to come. As part of our patient specials, Kirkland Family Dentistry offers free in-office teeth whitening for new patients.
Connect with us today for a visit! Call (425) 284-0515 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Roberts and discover the perfect solution for your missing teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Restoration of Functionality
One of the primary benefits of dental bridges for replacing one or multiple teeth is the restoration of function. Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew food or speak properly. A dental bridge and artificial tooth fills in the gap, making it easier to chew food and pronounce words clearly. Many patients feel more confident after undergoing dental bridge procedures, and it can also be considered a cosmetic dentistry service.
Aesthetic Appeal
Missing teeth can lead to a lack of confidence when smiling or speaking. Dental bridges improve your smile. Bridges are designed to blend seamlessly with natural teeth, providing a flawless look.
Prevents Misalignment of Teeth
Gaps left by missing teeth can allow the remaining teeth to shift, leading to a bad bite or misalignment. Dental bridges keep the neighboring teeth in their proper position, preventing potential orthodontic issues.
Durable and Long-Lasting
Dental bridges, when taken care of properly, can last a long time. With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, a dental bridge can last for over a decade or even longer.
Possible Drawbacks of Dental Bridges
Impact on Abutment Teeth
To support a traditional dental bridge, the natural teeth on either side of the gap, known as abutment teeth, must be prepared. This involves removing a portion of their enamel to accommodate the crowns that will hold the bridge in place. This process is irreversible and can potentially make these healthy teeth more susceptible to decay or sensitivity in the future, even though they are crowned.
Maintenance Challenges
While dental bridges are durable, they require diligent oral hygiene. Cleaning under the bridge can be tricky, as food particles and plaque can accumulate, potentially leading to gum disease or decay in the supporting teeth. Special tools, such as floss threaders or interdental brushes, are often needed to properly clean around and under the bridge. Without proper care, the longevity of the bridge and the health of the surrounding teeth can be compromised.
Bone Loss
Unlike dental implants, which stimulate the jawbone where a tooth is missing, dental bridges do not address the issue of bone loss in the area of the missing tooth. Over time, without the root of a false tooth to stimulate the jawbone, the bone can begin to resorb or shrink. This can lead to changes in facial structure and may affect the fit of the bridge over many years.
Potential for Failure
While dental bridges are designed to be long-lasting, they are not immune to issues. The abutment teeth supporting the bridge can still develop cavities or gum disease, which could jeopardize the integrity of the bridge. If a supporting tooth fails, the entire bridge may need to be replaced, which can be a significant additional cost and inconvenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, dental bridges can last anywhere from five to 15 years, and sometimes even longer. Factors such as the materials used, the health of the supporting teeth, and the patient’s oral care habits influence longevity.
Maintaining a dental bridge is similar to caring for your natural teeth. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily (using a floss threader or water flosser to clean under the bridge), and attending routine dental cleanings and examinations with Dr. Roberts.
Yes, there are several types of dental bridges, including traditional bridges (most common, using crowns on adjacent teeth), cantilever bridges (used when there’s only one adjacent tooth), Maryland bonded bridges (using a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth), and implant-supported bridges (using dental implants as anchors). A traditional bridge is the most popular type of dental bridge and requires natural teeth on both sides of the gap. Dr. Roberts will discuss the most suitable type for your specific situation.
The procedure for getting a dental bridge is typically performed under local anesthesia, so you should not experience pain during the preparation of your teeth or the placement of the bridge. Some mild sensitivity or discomfort may occur after the anesthesia wears off, but this is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Discover More Benefits of Replacing Teeth with Dental Bridges At Our Dental Clinic Near You!
Don’t let missing teeth diminish your joy or hinder your everyday life. Imagine the freedom of laughing without hesitation, the comfort of savoring every meal, and the clarity of your voice resonating confidently. It is essential to replace missing teeth as soon as possible to meet your oral health goals and prevent other teeth from shifting into the gap. If you’re in Redmond, Bellevue, or Sammamish and dreaming of a complete, vibrant smile, our dental office in Kirkland is here to guide you.
Reach out today at (425) 284-0515 to schedule your consultation. Let us help you rediscover the comfort and confidence that come with a healthy, beautiful smile.