Are you missing multiple teeth? Do you want to restore your smile?
Dr. Joseph A. Catanzano III, DDS, offers dental bridges to patients in Washington, D.C. Dr. Catanzano and his professional dental team are dedicated to helping patients achieve happy and healthier smiles. By collaborating with patients, Dr. Catanzano can provide the highest quality of dental care possible. Learn more about receiving dental bridges as a restorative dentistry option to replace missing teeth below.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge can offer multiple benefits to patients. Dental bridges:
- Restore the ability to chew and speak
- Maintain the shape of your face
- Help support remaining tooth structure
- Distribute the forces in your bite properly
- Prevent remaining teeth from shifting
In addition, problems such as overcrowding, tooth decay, gum disease, or a misaligned bite are prevented when a patient receives a dental bridge. If you have missing or lost teeth and want to learn more about dental bridges, call Foxhall Smiles at 202-315-2188. Dr. Catanzano and his team will work with you to create a customized solution.
Treatment with Dental Bridges
Dental bridges may be removable or secured with dental implants. Before treatment, Dr. Catanzano will examine the teeth and gums to determine if a dental bridge is right for you. He also determines if you can get dental implants to support the bridge. He will then create a comprehensive treatment plan that includes the specific placement of the dental bridge.
If there are any natural teeth adjacent to tooth gaps, they can be shaped to ensure the proper support of the bridge. Dental impressions are made of teeth and sent to a lab, where the dental bridge is fabricated. Dental bridges usually consist of a metal framework that is covered by porcelain.
The porcelain can improve the aesthetics of the patient’s smile because it blends in with natural teeth. When the dental bridge is complete, Dr. Catanzano will make sure the dental bridge fits securely and comfortably so you can enjoy a lasting result.
Traditional Vs. Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
There are two main options for bridge configurations. We’ll work with you to determine the right direction for your needs.
Traditional
Traditionally, your natural teeth support a dental bridge on either side. In some cases, dental crowns fortify the natural teeth to ensure a stable base for the dental bridge. Patients require healthy and strong enough natural teeth to support the bridge properly for this option. Many times, these bridges are removable. They don’t provide much bite function, so you’re unable to do things like bite into an apple.
If it’s removable, there are certain steps you have to take to ensure you clean the bridge properly. Gently scrub the bridge with a soft-bristled toothbrush and cool water. Hot water can warp the restoration. You can also use denture cleaner to ensure that the bridge is sterile.
Implant-Supported
Implant-supported bridges are the best option available. However, not all patients meet the requirements for dental implants. During our consultation, we’ll discuss methods to determine the bone density where the implants need to be. If you don’t have the proper bone structure, you’ll need to receive a bone graft or go with a traditional dental bridge.
This type of bridge is fixed, so you never have to worry about taking it out. To clean it, you brush and floss as you normally would. Depending on the bridge’s location, we may need to teach you flossing techniques to ensure you’re cleaning all of the areas of your mouth adequately. Plaque and tartar can build up underneath your fixed bridge if you don’t properly care for your oral health.
With dental implants, you also gain unmatched stability. Unlike traditional bridges, you don’t have to eliminate any foods from your diet because you can’t chew them. Implants look and feel like natural teeth, and you can bite and chew as you normally would.
Implants also offset the detrimental effects that occur when you’re missing teeth. They prevent continued jawbone deterioration and even promote regeneration. Implants fuse with the bone structure, giving them their unmatched stability. This also means you won’t have the sagging face consequences of losing bone structure.
Dental Bridge Benefits
Replacing missing teeth is always the preferred option. A dental bridge is a solid choice that comes with many benefits. To start, a bridge can replace one or multiple consecutive teeth, meaning many patients can benefit from a bridge. Each bridge is customized for the individual patient so that the results look seamless in their smile. We match the shade, shape, and size of the teeth to ensure this natural appearance.
Depending on where your missing teeth are located, it can cause problems with your speech. We make different sounds based on how our tongues interact with the rest of our mouths. With missing teeth, you may slur speech or have a lisp. A bridge remedies that.
A bridge also prevents your teeth from shifting after tooth loss. When a tooth root is gone, the teeth around it try to move to fit into the formed space. Bridges fill in this gap, preventing your other teeth from moving around. It preserves facial structure, too. Even without implants, a dental bridge supports your facial muscles and lips, eliminating that sunken look.
With traditional bridges, you get one of the quickest restoration turnaround times. We can usually complete them in just two visits to our office. While implants provide many benefits, they aren’t right for everyone. If time is a concern, a traditional bridge can get you your restoration quickly.
Request a Dental Exam and Consultation
Call Dr. Catanzano’s Washington, D.C. dentist office at 202-315-2188. You may also schedule a consultation with Dr. Catanzano on his website.