Missing teeth can have a significant impact on both your appearance and functionality. Fortunately, dental bridges provide an effective solution to replace missing natural teeth and restore your smile. In this article, we will delve into the details of the dental bridge procedure and what you can expect throughout the process.

Note: Are Experiencing Tooth Pain or Need a Second Opinion in Mesa, Chandler, or Tempe, Arizona?

If you’re in Mesa, Chandler, or Tempe and are struggling with tooth pain or want a reliable second opinion, Dr. Nathan Smith of East Valley Dental Professionals is the expert you can trust. With a long-standing reputation in the community, Dr. Smith is known for his comprehensive approach and patient-friendly methods. In his 5-star reviewed, intimate family office, you’re not just another patient; you’re family. Reach out today at 480-828-3033 for a free second opinion. One of our specialties? Dental bridges.

Why Consider a Dental Bridge?

Missing a tooth can affect more than just your smile. It impacts your ability to chew and speak comfortably. Fortunately, with the modern dental bridge procedures offered at East Valley Dental Professionals, you can regain both function and confidence.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge, simply put, replaces missing teeth. It uses crowns on either side of the gap to support the replacement tooth (or teeth), making your smile whole again. For those in the Mesa, Chandler, and Tempe regions who aren’t keen on surgical solutions like implants, dental bridges are an excellent alternative.

Understanding the Dental Bridge Procedure

1. Consultation: After a thorough checkup, Dr. Smith will evaluate if a dental bridge is right for you, guiding you through the various types available.
2. Preparing the Teeth: If a bridge is your best solution, the teeth adjacent to the gap (known as abutment teeth) are gently shaped to accommodate the bridge. Impressions are then sent to a lab where your unique bridge is crafted.
3. Temporary Measures: To maintain your appearance and protect the prepared teeth, a temporary bridge might be placed while waiting for your permanent one.
4. The Final Step: On your subsequent visit, Dr. Smith will remove the temporary bridge, ensuring the permanent one fits perfectly before cementing it into place.

Understanding the Types of Dental Bridges

In the heart of Mesa, Chandler, and Tempe, Arizona, Dr. Nathan Smith and the team at East Valley Dental Professionals are well-versed in the various types of dental bridges to best suit your needs:

• Traditional Bridges: The most commonly used type, these involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic (or artificial tooth) in between.
• Maryland Bonded Bridges: Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, this type employs a metal or porcelain framework to hold the pontic, which is then bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth.
• Cantilever Bridges: Ideal for situations where there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth.

Dr. Smith will discuss each type with you during your consultation, ensuring you make an informed decision tailored to your specific circumstances. Regardless of the choice, you can rest assured that the solution will be both aesthetically pleasing and functionally efficient.

Why Choose a Dental Bridge?

• Aesthetics: Smile with confidence, knowing that gaps in your teeth are a thing of the past.
• Functionality: Speak and chew naturally without discomfort.
• Protection: Prevent remaining teeth from shifting, reducing the risk of other dental complications.

Details About Dental Bridges and How This Relates to Your Smile

Let’s dive deeper into the interplay between teeth, gums, dental bridges, and the components that make this restorative procedure successful.

Teeth and Gums: The foundation of your oral health, teeth and gums play a crucial role in the efficacy and longevity of dental treatments, especially when considering dental bridges. Healthy gums provide the supportive tissue around which dental bridges anchor, while the abutting teeth (those on either side of the missing tooth or gap) act as the primary pillars for holding the bridge securely in place. Maintaining the health of these structures is paramount for the success and durability of a dental bridge.

Permanent Dental Bridges: A permanent dental bridge is designed to replace missing teeth for the long term. Unlike removable devices such as dentures, once a permanent bridge is placed, it doesn’t need daily removal or special cleaning beyond regular dental hygiene practices. Its permanency ensures a more natural appearance and function, allowing individuals to eat, speak, and smile with greater confidence.

Dental Cement: This is the adhesive agent used to secure dental bridges, crowns, or other prostheses to the natural teeth. In the context of a dental bridge, dental cement is applied to the abutment teeth (or the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth) to ensure the bridge remains in place. The cement is designed to withstand the pressures of biting and chewing, providing a secure and lasting bond. When applied correctly by experienced professionals like Dr. Nathan Smith of East Valley Dental Professionals, dental cement ensures the stability of the bridge for years.

Pontics: A critical component of the dental bridge, the pontic is the term used to describe the artificial tooth that replaces the missing tooth. It fills the space where the natural tooth once was, bridging the gap between the remaining natural teeth. Pontics are designed to resemble natural teeth in color, shape, and size, ensuring a seamless integration with the rest of the teeth. They are held in place by being anchored to the surrounding teeth, either via dental crowns or bonded to a metal or porcelain framework.

In conclusion, the success of a dental bridge lies in the careful orchestration of all these elements. The health of the teeth and gums, combined with the strength of the dental cement and the precision design of the pontics, all contribute to the efficacy and aesthetic appeal of a dental bridge, restoring both function and beauty to the patient’s smile. If you’re considering a dental bridge, it’s essential to understand these components and their roles in ensuring the longevity and appearance of your restoration.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

Dr. Smith and his team will provide you with detailed guidance on maintaining your bridge. Regular check-ups, daily brushing and flossing, and avoiding excessive force on the bridge are key.

For those in Mesa, Chandler, or Tempe, Arizona, there’s no better place for comprehensive dental care than East Valley Dental Professionals. Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities. Call 480-828-3033 today and let Dr. Nathan Smith provide you with a second opinion for free. Experience dentistry done right, in a warm, family-friendly environment.

The post Dental Bridge Procedures:  What to Expect from an Experienced Dentist appeared first on East Valley Dental Professionals.

Thinking that dental bridges may be the answer to fix your missing teeth? Dental bridges offer both a practical and a cosmetic fix to address missing teeth. Here’s everything you need to know about what are dental bridges and how they can help correct your smile.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a method of securing a fake tooth in place by anchoring it to the neighboring teeth. They improve your dental function and the appearance of your teeth. They are constructed from artificial teeth and an anchoring material to keep your tooth in place.

Bridges can replace one or multiple missing teeth. They can also be customized to fit the shape and appearance of your teeth, giving you a healthy and natural-looking smile.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges have both functional and cosmetic benefits. They replace missing teeth to restore your smile and your ability to chew normally. The procedure also bridges the gap between missing teeth to improve your ability to speak properly.

Dental Bridge Types

There are four main types of dental bridges. Your dentist can recommend which type of bridge is most effective for your oral health.

Traditional Dental Bridge

The most common type of bridge is a Traditional Dental Bridge. This type of bridge is secured using crowns that are cemented to both surrounding teeth. Traditional bridges are most often used when there are natural and healthy teeth on either side of the artificial tooth.

Cantilever Dental Bridge

Cantilever Dental Bridges are similar to traditional bridges. They use a dental crown to secure the false tooth in place. However, cantilever bridges only cement the crown to one natural tooth.

Cantilever bridges are a common option for when you only have one natural tooth next to the false tooth. This option is less secure than other types of bridges.

Maryland Dental Bridge

Instead of using crowns to secure the fake tooth in place, Maryland Dental Bridges use a bonding material, usually metal or porcelain, to hold the tooth in place. This material is secured to the backs of the two surrounding natural teeth. Maryland bridges are typically used to secure front teeth in place.

Implant-Supported Dental Bridge

An Implant-Supported Dental Bridge uses dental implants to secure the false teeth in place. This is a far more involved procedure but is considered the most secure option. Implants usually involve securing the false tooth to the jawbone.

Implant-supported bridges are typically used when there are three or more missing teeth in a row. However, they are also used in other circumstances where more stability is needed.

What is the Process for Getting a Dental Bridge?

The process of getting a bridge begins by using a local anesthetic to numb the area. Once this is done, your dentist will reshape the natural teeth around your abutment, or natural, tooth. To do so, some of the enamel is removed to support the bridge.

Next, your dentist will take impressions to create your artificial tooth. This tooth will be specially made to fit the shape and color of your natural teeth. Finally, the bridge will be added. Usually, a temporary bridge is used first and a permanent bridge is cemented in place at a later visit.

The process of getting a bridge will be slightly different for each type of bridge. Ask your dentist for more information on the type of bridge you will be getting.

Risks of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are a safe procedure, but there can be some drawbacks. If the neighboring teeth are not strong enough to support the bridge, it could cause your natural teeth to fracture.

There is also some risk if you do not appropriately care for the area. If not properly cleaned, the bridge can trap plaque and bacteria. This can eventually lead to cavities or gum inflammation. Good oral hygiene is essential to ensure that no problems occur after your procedure.

How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?

The price of a bridge will depend on several factors. Namely, how many false teeth you need and what type of bridge you are using. The material involved will also alter the price significantly.

On average, traditional and cantilever bridges will range around $2,000 to $5,000. Maryland bridges are usually slightly less expensive, averaging between $1,500 and $2,500.

The most expensive procedure is implant-supported bridges. These will go for anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000. Consult your dentist for an exact estimate for your procedure.

Do You Need Dental Bridges?

Think that you may need dental bridges? East Valley Dental Professionals are here to answer your questions about bridge procedures. Call us at 480-838-3033 to schedule your appointment.

The post What Are Dental Bridges appeared first on East Valley Dental Professionals.

Teeth replacements have come a long way in the last few decades and the types of dental implants available are growing. The latest and greatest development in the world of dentistry, is arguably, the dental implant. In years past, dentists would prefer to use a treatment wherein a fabricated tooth was affixed to adjacent teeth, thereby creating a dental bridge.

Today, dental implants are a very popular choice among dentists because it allows for a permanent tooth and root to be fused to the jawbone.

While both of these options can be very effective, it is important to be aware of the requirements of each as well as their differences so you can easily select the one that makes the most sense for you.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is actually a root replacement. A titanium anchor is inserted into the bone of the jaw. A fabricated tooth acts as the crown and is the visible tooth replacing the tooth that was lost. The new tooth functions and appears just like a natural tooth.

What are the Advantages of a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is very different than a bridge. Instead of bridging the gap with crowns and prosthetics, an implant is an artificial tooth root that is attached to your jaw bone. A connector, also known as an abutment, is then attached to the artificial root and a custom-made crown is attached to the connector.

Implants are aesthetically pleasing and functional. They are more reliable than a bridge, and will not need replacement in years to come. They are also very resistant to tooth and gum decay. They have greater durability and longevity than a bridge and will last for the rest of your lifetime.

What are the Disadvantages of a Dental Implant?

The downside of a dental implant is that it is a minor surgery and will require the necessary time to heal. Dental implants require more time and care than dental bridges. Since the implant is attached to the jawbone, it does require minor surgery. Aftercare may be more extensive with dental implants to ensure proper healing.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge, by contrast, is a prosthesis that is fixed in place and is attached to the natural adjacent teeth. This procedure requires the adjacent teeth to be “prepped” by removing most of the enamel in order to fabricate the bridge to span the gap.

What are the Advantages of a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges are esthetically pleasing, functional, predictable and reliable. They are less costly, and require less time to prepare for, and recover from the procedure. (While they cost less initially, there might be replacement costs in the future.) This might be your best option if the tooth or teeth have been lost for a long time because the gum and bone will have receded making a successful implant procedure more difficult.

What are the Disadvantages of a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges require significant removal of the enamel of the adjacent teeth. If those teeth have crowns, they will probably need to be redone. Tooth decay is still a possibility with a bridge, and a root canal might be necessary if the nerves are affected. Bridges have less longevity than an implant.

Other Considerations

• Oral health
  Your current oral health may dictate which option is best for you. In order to utilize a dental bridge, the neighboring teeth or implants need to be able to support crowns. A dental implant needs a sufficient amount of jaw bone to be effective. Schedule an appointment with our dentist to have your teeth, gums and bone assessed.
• Longevity
  Dental bridges can last anywhere from five to fifteen years. Dental implants, on the other hand, may last twenty-five years or more. The longevity of your dental device depends on your care and maintenance once your procedure has been completed. Bridges and implants need to be cleaned and cared for just like your natural teeth.
• Cost
  Cost can be a deciding factor for many people. Dental bridges vary in cost depending on your location, the materials used for the crowns, how many teeth need to be replaced and more. That said, dental bridges may cost significantly less than implants. A single dental implant may cost up to $7,000. However, the cost will depend on many factors including how involved the surgery is and whether or not bone grafting is needed.

Which Option is Right for You?

Ultimately, this is a decision between you and your dentist. You are more than welcome to contact us to set up an appointment to evaluate your current oral health and achieve the best possible outcome.

Please note that East Valley Dental Professionals does not perform dental implant procedures–we do dental implant reconstruction. This information has been provided for educational purposes only.

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While some people find a gap between their front teeth endearing, others would like to close their gap without having to commit to braces. The good news is, there are a number of options available to achieve your goals.

What Causes Gaps Between Teeth?

There are several reasons why you may have a gap between your teeth. First, if your teeth are too small for your jaw bone it can cause diastema, or a space between your teeth. Another cause of teeth gaps is thumb sucking. Thumb sucking as a child can create large spaces as the repetitive pressure on the teeth can pull them forward. An adult can cause a tooth gap by placing their tongue on their front teeth when swallowing instead of the roof of their mouth. This creates a similar force and pushes their front teeth forward, potentially creating a gap between them.

In addition to tooth size or bad habits, poor dental health can also create cosmetic issues. Gum disease may cause damaged gums and tissue which in turn can cause spaces between the teeth as well as tooth loss. Signs of gum disease include red, swollen or bleeding gums, loose teeth, gum recession, and persistent bad breath. Maintain regular dental care, including biannual visits to your dentist, to avoid or treat gum disease.

Retainers

If braces are not your preferred treatment method, retainers may be a great alternative. Retainers are typically used to retain the position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment. In order to use retainers to shift your teeth, you may have to wear them for an extensive amount of time. A drawback to using retainers is that they are typically removable. This can make it easy to forget to wear them, which can delay your results even further. It usually takes the same amount of time to see results whether you use braces or retainers. If you are looking for a fast solution, retainers may not be your best option.

Veneers

Veneers are thin custom made shells that are placed over the surface of your existing teeth. There are different types of veneers available. The two most common types of veneers are porcelain and composite. Both types achieve similar results using different materials. If the gap between your teeth is small, your dentist may be able to use two veneers to close the visible space. However, if the gap is larger, additional veneers or alternate treatments may be necessary.

If you and your dental professional decide that veneers are the best treatment option, the procedure is straightforward. Your dentist will prepare your natural teeth by removing a thin layer of the tooth’s surface. Molds will be taken and the veneers will be custom created in a laboratory. Once your dentist receives your veneers, you will attend another dental appointment to have them applied. Your dentist will roughen the surface of your natural teeth to help the veneers stay in place. They will also custom shape and mold the veneers until your desired look is achieved.

Dental Bonds

Dental bonds are tooth colored composites adhered to your teeth to improve the shape, color or size of your teeth. The bonding can be molded and sculpted to fill the appearance of a gap and match your existing teeth. Bonds differ from veneers in that they are not custom made in a laboratory. The bonding material is readily available in your dentist’s office. Your dentist will select a material that closely matches your natural teeth in color and adjust the shape as needed. Dental bonds can typically be applied in one dental visit, making their application fairly quick and easy. However, on average, dental bonding does not last as long as porcelain veneers but can be a very effective alternative.

Crowns

A crown is a fixed prosthetic used to cover an entire tooth. Crowns placed over two teeth that are next to each other can be designed to fill a gap between those two teeth. In order to place a crown, your dentist will need to assess your existing tooth and its roots. If everything looks healthy, your teeth will be filed down to make room for the crown. Crowns are custom made and have to be sent to a laboratory to be created. While you are waiting, your dentist will apply temporary crowns to protect your teeth. When they are ready, your crowns will be permanently cemented in place over your existing teeth, filling in any visible gaps.

Aligners

Clear aligners are a popular alternative to braces because they are easily removable and much less noticeable. Aligners are clear, custom made pieces that fit over your teeth and slowly move them into the desired position. If you choose to utilize aligners, your dental team will map out how your teeth need to be moved and then create aligners that you will swap out every few weeks. Aligners tend to work better with adults and older teens who have teeth that are fully formed.

If you have a gap between your teeth that you are unhappy with, there are plenty of solutions. Consult with our experienced dental team that can assess your dental health, listen to your goals and map out the best possible treatment plan tailored to your needs.

The post How To Fix A Gap Between Your Front Teeth Without Braces appeared first on East Valley Dental Professionals.

Your smile can be your best accessory. When your oral health is suffering, you may feel like there isn’t much to smile about. If you are one of the many people that is dealing with the loss of a tooth there is good news! There are many options available to replace what was lost and maintain your beautiful smile.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are used to bridge the gap caused by missing teeth. Bridges help properly distribute the force of chewing and help you keep your remaining natural teeth in place. They can also prevent bone loss and as a result, help maintain the shape of your face. All of this is in addition to the cosmetic benefits of filling out your smile which will give you greater confidence in the appearance of your teeth.

Types of Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a viable solution for many different situations. A bridge is comprised of a fake tooth to replace the one that was lost and various mechanisms to hold the fake tooth in place. If you are considering this procedure, there are three basic types of dental bridges available.

Traditional Bridges

Traditional bridges are the most commonly used type of bridge. A traditional bridge is used when there is a missing tooth between two other well anchored teeth. The traditional bridge is built using crowns that attach to the existing teeth and help support the false tooth, otherwise known as a pontic, that is inserted into the gap.

Your dentist will have to prepare the natural, adjacent teeth for the bridge. This is done by removing the enamel from the natural teeth to get them ready for crowns. The down side to this is that enamel cannot be replaced so once it is removed; these teeth will always require crowns.

Cantilever Bridges

A cantilever bridge is very similar to a traditional bridge except that it is only connected to one adjacent tooth. This type of bridge can be used if there are not two natural teeth available. This is also a good option if an adjacent tooth is not strong enough to support a traditional bridge. There are some potential consequences to this procedure. The natural tooth will need to have the enamel removed to make room for the crown. Also, because there is only one natural tooth acting as an anchor for the false tooth, there is a higher risk of damage or fracturing.

Maryland Bonded Bridges

Maryland bonded bridges are an alternative to the traditional types of dental bridges. Maryland bonded bridges work by bonding the replacement tooth to the back of the adjacent teeth. This means that crowns and enamel removal are not necessary.

This type of bridges have been used for more than 20 years and have evolved over time. When this bridge was first developed, it was attached to the natural teeth with metal wings. These wings often caused damage to the natural teeth as well as discoloration. These issues have been resolved with time and technological advancements. The bonding agent is now a strong resin, eliminating damage and discoloration issues.

Which Dental Bridge is Right For You?

There are many things you should consider when deciding on a dental bridge. The chewing pressure and force that is exerted on a bridge is important. If you are considering a bridge to replace a molar that is subject to intense pressure from daily chewing, discuss this in depth with your dentist. A cantilever and Maryland bonded bridge may not be able to handle as much direct pressure and regular usage making a traditional bridge a better option. In addition, your dentist will look at your bite and the surface area of the lost tooth when determining the best procedure for replacement.

You should also consider your specific dental needs and the tools that are available. If the tooth you are hoping to replace does not have two adjacent teeth available, a traditional bridge may not be an option for you. A cantilever bridge may be an excellent alternative if you only have one adjacent natural tooth or if one of the adjacent teeth is already being used to anchor a different prosthetic.

Once you and your dental professional have chosen the perfect dental bridge for you, it is important that you properly care for your teeth and dental bridge. When you have a bridge installed, you should make sure it fits comfortably and perfectly prior to leaving your dentist’s office. You will also want to avoid foods that may cause problems such as hard or sticky foods. In addition, you should practice good oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing. You should also maintain regular visits with your dentist to make sure your dental work and oral health are in tip-top shape.

When making decisions about your smile and your oral health, work with an experienced team and accomplished dental bridge dentist in Arizona. There are many choices and we would be honored to partner with you to find your perfect dental solution.

The post Types of Dental Bridges appeared first on East Valley Dental Professionals.

If you are missing a tooth, you are probably exploring your replacement options. A lost tooth can be damaging cosmetically and to your overall oral health. Dental implants and dentures are two common strategies for dealing with a lost tooth but they are not your only options. There are a number of other alternatives to dental implants and dentures.

What are Dental Implants and Dentures?

Dental implants are attached to the jawbone and serve as artificial roots to hold prosthetic teeth in place. Implants are often used to replace missing teeth and can be a suitable solution in some instances. Price and bone health can be obstacles that may prevent implants from being the best choice for you. A single implant can cost thousands of dollars and your bone health must be healthy and sufficient in order to attach the implant.

Dentures are most often used when a person has lost most or all of their natural teeth. There are several types of dentures, including removable partial dentures and removable complete dentures, all of which can be inserted or removed to give the appearance and feel of natural teeth. Some dentures can also be made on a metal framework to adhere to your existing teeth. Dentures are a removable apparatus and do not attach to your bone the way that implants do. While dentures and implants can be great solutions to missing teeth, they are not the only available solutions.

Dental Bridges

An alternative to dentures and dental implants is a dental bridge. A dental bridge may be a viable denture or implant alternative when dealing with lost or missing teeth. A bridge uses a prosthetic tooth and a crown on either side to anchor to adjoining teeth or implants. In this manner, the entire grouping of crowns and false teeth act as a bridge, holding the false teeth in place. The teeth that serve as anchors for the crowns are called abutment teeth, while the false tooth or teeth are called pontics.

A dental bridge can be a great option as opposed to an implant, particularly if the tooth has been missing for a long period of time. When you lose a tooth, your gums and bone eventually recede. If your gums or bone are not substantial or healthy enough for an implant, a dental bridge may be a suitable alternative. They are also preferable to a temporary denture because they are a long term solution. Dental bridges, when paired with excellent oral hygiene can last approximately five to fifteen years.

Leave the Tooth as Is

The final option is simply leaving the missing tooth as it is. While this will impact the appearance of your face and eventually your bone, it is also an alternative choice available to you. This is not an ideal choice and we strongly recommend that you should consult with our dental professionals before deciding to take this route.

The loss of a natural tooth or teeth can be traumatic, not only for vanity’s sake but for your overall oral health. While there are many options available, every individual’s situation is unique. There are several factors that go into selecting the best option for you including your existing teeth, the strength of your bone, the overall health of your teeth and gums and your budget and long term goals. It is important to discuss your options with an experienced dentist and choose what makes the best sense for you.

If you need help understanding and selecting the best solution for you, we are here to help. Our team of professionals will listen to your concerns and goals, assess your current oral health and work with your budget to find the best option for you. Contact us today!

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