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Dental Bridges in McLean, VA: Restoring Your Smile with Precision and Care

What Is a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges are used to fill the space left by one or more missing teeth. Bridges literally “bridge” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of two or more crowns that are placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap. These teeth, known as abutment teeth, serve as anchors for the bridge.

In between the abutment teeth, there is a replacement tooth or teeth, called pontics. Pontics can be made from materials such as gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these. The dental bridge is supported by either natural teeth or dental implants.

What Problems Do Dental Bridges Treat?

A dental bridge may be used to replace missing teeth, help maintain the shape of your face, and alleviate stress on your bite.

A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, looks great, and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been.

Your bridge can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials, and is bonded onto surrounding teeth for support.

The success of any bridge depends on its foundation — the other teeth, gums, or bone to which it is attached. The adjacent teeth, called abutments, may undergo some preparation to accommodate the dental bridge, but this typically involves minimal tooth reshaping, such as removing a small amount of enamel to create space for the bridge.

Therefore, it’s very important to keep your existing teeth, gums, and jaw healthy and strong.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges have several benefits:

  • They can help bring back your smile by filling in the gaps caused by missing teeth.
  • Bridges enable you to chew and speak more effectively, restoring your ability to do these activities properly.
  • They help maintain the natural shape of your face by providing support and structure.
  • By replacing missing teeth, bridges ensure that the forces generated when you bite down are distributed evenly.
  • Additionally, bridges prevent the remaining teeth from shifting or moving out of their proper positions.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Bridges?

There are three main types of dental bridges:

Traditional bridges: Traditional bridges are the most common type and can be made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics. Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on each side of the missing tooth, with a replacement tooth in between.

Cantilever bridges: These bridges are not very common anymore and are not recommended for the back of the mouth because they can exert excessive force on other teeth and cause damage. Cantilever bridges are used when there are neighboring teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth.

Maryland bonded bridges: Also known as resin-bonded bridges or Maryland bridges, these bridges consist of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or plastic replacement teeth and gums supported by a metal or porcelain framework. Typically, metal or porcelain wings are bonded to your existing teeth on just one side of the bridge.

Why Choose Dr. Colospate for Your Dental Bridge Needs in McLean, VA?

When it comes to dental bridges, Dr. Colospate stands out in Northern Virginia for a variety of reasons. Unlike some other practices, we don’t just focus on individual teeth. Whether you need a single bridge, multiple bridges, or an implant-supported bridge, we take a thorough approach to evaluation and planning. Utilizing advanced diagnostic tools such as digital scans, X-rays, and photographs, we ensure that your bridge fits seamlessly with the rest of your teeth.

Take a moment to search for “x-ray services McLean VA” to see the cutting-edge diagnostic technology we use at McLean Healthy Smiles.

Each bridge we create is truly unique—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach here. We pay meticulous attention to detail, resulting in bridges that not only look great, but also feel comfortable and last for a long time.

Dental bridges are vital for restoring balance, harmony, and functionality to your smile. If you’re considering bridge treatment, reach out to us to schedule an appointment with our top-rated dental bridge specialist in McLean VA, Dr. Vidya Colospate.

We’ll help you determine if a dental bridge is the right solution for your oral health needs. Come experience what it’s like to be a patient at McLean Healthy Smiles, and take the first step towards a brighter, healthier smile.

Get in touch with us or call our office now to schedule an appointment at your convenience.

Related tooth replacement procedures:
Dental bridge may be used to replace missing teeth, help maintain the shape of your face, and alleviate stress on your bite.
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