Bridges

A bridge is a fixed appliance that replaces missing teeth by spanning the space between two teeth. Bridges are cemented into place and can only be removed by a dentist. At Herrera Family Dental, our dentist may recommend a bridge if one or more of your teeth are missing and there are healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Otherwise, gaps left by missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to shift or move out of their proper position. This can result in a bad bite, gum disease, tooth decay, and other problems. 

Types of Dental Bridges

Traditional Bridges

Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge used today. This type of bridge consists of two crowns placed on the abutment teeth with one or more artificial teeth attached between them. The crowns are placed over the two surrounding teeth, and the artificial tooth is connected between the crowns. 

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges are used when adjacent teeth are on only one side of the missing tooth space. These bridges are anchored by a crown on one of the supporting teeth.

Maryland Bridges

Maryland bridges are similar to traditional bridges, but they use metal or porcelain framework “wings” to secure the crown that will “bridge” the gap. These wings are bonded to the back of the healthy teeth that flank the gap left by the missing tooth.  

The Procedure for Dental Bridges

Before your treatment begins, our dentist in Las Vegas, NV, will numb the area with a local anesthetic. Then our dentist prepares the abutment teeth by removing a portion of the enamel to allow the crowns to fit over them.  

Next, the dentist takes impressions of your teeth and sends them to a lab where the bridge will be constructed. While the new bridge is being made, the dentist fits a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums.  

When the permanent bridge is ready, the temporary one is removed, and the permanent one is cemented. With good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist, you can expect your fixed bridge to last up to ten years or more. 

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

• Dental bridges in Las Vegas, NV, fill the gaps left by missing teeth, restoring a complete and natural-looking smile.
• Missing teeth can make chewing and speaking difficult. Dental bridges help restore proper bite alignment, making it easier to chew and speak confidently.
• Missing teeth can lead to facial sagging and a prematurely aged appearance. Dental bridges help maintain your facial structure by supporting the muscles and tissues around your mouth.

Dental bridges restore your smile's appearance and function after tooth loss. Dental bridges could be the transformative solution you've been searching for if you want to bridge the gap and regain the confidence of a complete smile. Visit Herrera Family Dental at 1300 S Lamb Blvd #400, Las Vegas, NV 89104, or call (702) 780-7660 to learn more about dental bridges.