Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices used by our dentists in South Plainfield, NJ, to replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between adjacent teeth. They consist of artificial teeth (pontics) anchored to natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap.

Dental bridges are important as they restore the smile's appearance, function, and alignment, preventing adjacent teeth from shifting out of place, maintaining proper bite alignment, and supporting facial structure. Additionally, bridges improve chewing ability, speech clarity, and oral health, enhancing confidence and quality of life for individuals with missing teeth. 

Types of Dental Bridges 

Traditional Dental Bridges 

Traditional dental bridges are the most common type of bridge, and they can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of one or more pontics (artificial teeth) held in place by dental crowns attached to adjacent natural teeth, known as abutments. These crowns are cemented onto the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, providing stability and support for the bridge.  

Traditional bridges are durable, reliable, and offer excellent aesthetics, making them popular for restoring smiles. 

Cantilever Bridges 

Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional bridges but differ in their attachment method. In this type of bridge, the pontic is supported by a dental crown on only one side of the gap, making it suitable for situations where there is only one healthy tooth adjacent to the gap. Cantilever bridges are often used in the mouth's posterior (back) region, where chewing forces are less concentrated.

While less common than traditional bridges, cantilever bridges offer a conservative solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring oral function. 

Maryland Bridges 

Maryland bridges, also known as resin-bonded or Maryland-bonded bridges, are a conservative alternative to traditional bridges. They consist of pontics bonded to adjacent teeth using metal or porcelain wings, eliminating the need for dental crowns. Maryland bridges are ideal for replacing missing front teeth and offer a minimally invasive solution with excellent aesthetic results.  

Unlike traditional bridges, Maryland bridges preserve the structure of the adjacent teeth, making them a more conservative option for patients concerned about keeping their natural tooth structure. 

Implant-Supported Bridges 

Implant-supported bridges are highly stable and durable and suitable for replacing one or multiple missing teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, which rely on adjacent natural teeth for support, implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone. These implants serve as artificial tooth roots, providing a stable foundation for the bridge and preventing bone loss in the jaw.

Implant-supported bridges offer several advantages, including improved stability, longevity, and preservation of adjacent teeth. They are particularly beneficial for patients missing several consecutive teeth or an entire arch of teeth. 

The Procedure for Dental Bridges 

The process begins with a consultation with our dentist at Park Avenue Dental, during which the patient's oral health is assessed, treatment options are discussed, and a personalized treatment plan is developed.  

If dental crowns are required to support the bridge, the adjacent teeth are prepared by removing a portion of their outer structure to accommodate the crowns. Impressions of the prepared teeth and surrounding oral structures are taken to create custom-made bridges that fit securely and comfortably in the mouth. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians fabricate the bridge according to the dentist's specifications, ensuring optimal fit, function, and aesthetics.  

Once the bridge is ready, it is carefully placed and adjusted to ensure proper fit and alignment. The bridge is then permanently cemented or bonded, restoring the patient's smile and function. Contact us today to learn more! 

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

Restored Aesthetics 

• Dental bridges in South Plainfield, NJ, are custom-made prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth and fill in gaps in the smile. By mimicking the appearance of natural teeth, bridges seamlessly blend in with the surrounding teeth, creating a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing smile. 

• Bridges are fabricated using high-quality materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or porcelain-fused-to-metal, which closely resemble the color, shape, and translucency of natural teeth. This results in a lifelike and natural-looking restoration. 

Improved Dental Function 

• In addition to enhancing aesthetics, dental bridges restore proper chewing function and bite alignment. Gaps left by missing teeth can affect the ability to chew food properly and may lead to uneven wear on the remaining teeth. 

• By filling in the gap and replacing missing teeth, bridges restore proper occlusion and distribution of biting forces, allowing patients to comfortably eat and speak, as well as smile confidently.  

Preventing Shifting of Teeth 

• When a tooth is lost, adjacent teeth may gradually shift or drift into the space, leading to misalignment and bite problems. Dental bridges "bridge" the gap, preventing neighboring teeth from moving out of position and maintaining proper dental alignment. 

• Bridges help prevent further dental issues, such as crowding, spacing issues, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, by preserving the alignment of the teeth. 

Preservation of Jawbone Health 

• Missing teeth can contribute to bone loss in the jawbone over time, as the surrounding bone may deteriorate due to lack of stimulation from chewing forces. Dental bridges help preserve jawbone density by supporting and stimulating the underlying bone structure. 

• By maintaining bone volume and integrity, bridges help prevent the collapse of facial features and the premature aging effects associated with bone loss in the jaw. 

 

Dental bridges offer a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring oral health and function. If you're considering dental bridges to restore your smile, visit Park Avenue Dental at 160 Oak Tree Ave., South Plainfield, NJ 07080, or call (908) 757-3200 to discuss your options and embark on the journey to a complete and beautiful smile.