Dental Bridges – Big Pine Key, FL

Enjoy the Benefits of a Beautiful, Complete Smile

The mouth is such a delicate part of the human body. Because oral anatomy is so interconnected, losing even one tooth can lead to serious oral health consequences. Not to mention, no one wants to have a noticeable gap in their grin. At Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of the Keys, Dr. Amanda Cobb wants your smile to be full and healthy. One way our team can help patients accomplish that is with dental bridges near Marathon. Contact us today if you’re interested in learning more or scheduling a consultation.

Why Choose Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry
of the Keys for Dental Bridges?

Restorations Fully Customized for Each Patient
Lifelike Materials Ensure Natural-Looking Tooth Replacement
Dental Implant Placement Provided In-House

older woman smiling with dental bridges near Marathon

What Are Dental Bridges?

There are a few types of dental bridges, but all of them have the goal of “bridging” the gap in your smile left behind by missing teeth. These prosthetic teeth are designed to replace several lost teeth in a row.

A traditional bridge involves the placement of two dental crowns over your abutment teeth (the remaining teeth at the ends of the space in your smile). One or more artificial teeth, called pontics, are suspended between these two crowns.

Alternatively, we also offer implant-retained bridges. With this treatment, the crowns are placed over dental implants rather than abutment teeth. The titanium posts are surgically placed into your jaw to create a sturdier and longer-lasting solution.

dental professional adjusting a bridge on a model of teeth

Is a Dental Bridge Right for Me?

Generally speaking, if you’re missing one or more consecutive teeth, you’d be a good candidate for a traditional bridge. For an implant-supported bridge, though, you’d also need a strong enough jawbone to accommodate the implants. If that’s not the case, you’d have to be willing to bone grafting in order to strengthen the bone.

To truly find out whether a bridge is right for you, you’d have to talk to Dr. Cobb. She can examine your mouth and determine the best way to rebuild your smile.

The Dental Bridge Process

Getting a traditional bridge usually takes two appointments with your dentist near Marathon. First, we shape the abutment teeth so that there is room in your mouth for the restoration. After taking impressions of your mouth, we place a temporary bridge while a dental lab crafts your permanent one. You’ll return to our office when it’s ready in a few weeks to have it placed.

Implant-retained bridges take a bit longer, but they’re worth the wait. Once our in-house periodontist surgically places the implants, you’ll spend a few months healing as they integrate with your jawbone. Then we can place your bridge on top of your implants.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges offer many advantages for both your appearance and your oral health, including:

Since bridges are typically made of porcelain, they look so natural that onlookers shouldn’t be able to differentiate it from your natural teeth.
With proper oral hygiene, your bridge can last a decade or longer.
A bridge prevents your remaining teeth from drifting out of place to fill in the gap.
Bridges are sturdy enough to allow you to chew practically any food.

man smiling with dental bridges in Big Pine Key

Dental Bridges FAQs

If you’re missing several consecutive teeth in a row, then you may benefit to replace them with dental bridges. By closing the gap in your smile with these restorations, you’ll be able to enjoy your fully restored pearly whites once again. With that said, you might still have concerns about what you should expect after your treatment. To make you feel more comfortable with the procedure, our team has taken the time to gather and answer some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about dental bridges in Big Pine Key. Read on or contact our staff to learn more today!

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How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?

Depending on several factors, your dental bridge should last you between 5 to 15 years. Our team will construct your restoration out of high-quality materials like porcelain, ceramic, and zirconium—all of which are durable and natural-looking. The location of your bridge will also matter, as placing one in the back of your mouth may subject it to excessive pressure from chewing. Of course, how well you take care of your new teeth will be essential for keeping them clean and free of bacteria in the long run.

Can Dental Bridges Get Cavities?

Due to them being made out of mostly ceramic materials, dental bridges cannot develop cavities. They can, however, still collect bacteria and plaque on their surface, which can then spread to your gums and other teeth. For this reason, it’s crucial that you practice good dental hygiene like with your natural smile. Be sure to brush twice daily, floss at least once, and schedule a routine checkup and cleaning with us every six months. Try your best to clean underneath your bridge as well to preserve your gums. If you need advice on best practices, feel free to speak with our staff directly.

How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?

Dental bridges are designed to replace one or several consecutive missing teeth in a row. To ensure that their structure is reliable, however, it’s best recommended for patients who need to replace 1 to 4 pearly whites. The only way to determine if a dental bridge is the best option for you is through an initial consultation with our team. We’ll evaluate your situation and discuss with you if a bridge is a right way to treat your specific needs.

Is a Partial Denture the Same as a Bridge?

A dental bridge is not the same as a partial denture. Firstly, the former is designed to remain on your smile unless your dentist needs to replace it, whereas the latter can be removed whenever. Secondly, partial dentures can replace multiple teeth in an arch while a bridge can only address one or several missing in a row. Lastly, dental bridges are directly secured by crowns or dental implants on either side of the gap. Partial dentures are discreetly attached to your natural teeth via metal clasps.

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