4 Commonly Asked Questions About Dental Bridges  

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If you’re missing a tooth, filling the gap with a prosthetic tooth is important for your oral health and wellness. A missing tooth can cause the other teeth in the mouth to shift, leading to tooth misalignment and feelings of self-consciousness about your smile.

As your dentist in Sugarland, TX, we’re here to help. We have a number of solutions for people who are missing teeth, including dental bridges. The more you know about dental bridges and the other prosthetic teeth options available, the easier it will be for you to decide if this is the right option for you.

1. What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth held in place with crowns attached to the teeth on either side. Dental bridges are colored and shaped to match the other teeth in the mouth.

2. Who Needs a Dental Bridge?

If you’re missing a tooth and have two healthy teeth on either side of the gap, then you can benefit from a dental bridge. You may not be a good candidate for a dental bridge if the teeth adjacent to the gap in your mouth have been damaged.

3. Do Dental Bridges Look Natural?

Dental bridges look natural because they’re made to fit perfectly in the gap they’re filling. Dental bridges are also tooth-colored and matched to the other teeth in the mouth. No one will be able to tell you have a dental bridge in your mouth.

4. Are Dental Bridges Permanent?

Dental bridges are a permanent solution to the problem of a missing tooth. In order to install a dental bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap must be shaved down to make room for the crowns that will fit over them. Once this is done, the dental bridge is a permanent part of the mouth.

Are you interested in dental bridges in Sugarland, TX? At First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we can answer your questions. Call today to make an appointment to learn more about filling the gap in your mouth with a dental bridge.

 

Crown Vs. Bridge Vs. Veneer – Which Is Right For You?

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Dental crowns, veneers and bridges are all important dental tools that can be used to restore your smile. Each of these tools serves a different purpose. Knowing the difference can help you decide which type of tool is right for you. Remember that your dentist in Sugarland, TX can also recommend dental tools that help. See below, what you need to know about dental crowns, bridges and veneers.

What’s a Crown?

A crown is a cap that fits over the tooth enamel to protect it. Dental crowns are used in root canals to protect the enamel after the infected material has been removed. Dental crowns in Sugarland, TX can also be used to cover stains, injuries and misshapen teeth. If you have an implant, a crown will be placed over the implant to make it look and function more like a natural tooth. You may be a good candidate for a crown if you have a tooth that needs protection or structural reinforcement.

What’s a Bridge?

A bridge is a prosthetic tooth that replaces a missing tooth. The bridge is held in place with an attached crown that is fitted over the tooth next to the first tooth. Like crowns, bridges are made from tooth-colored material so it’s virtually impossible to tell the difference between a bridge and a natural tooth. You may be a candidate for a bridge if you’re missing a single tooth.

What’s a Veneer?

A veneer is a cover that’s placed over the front of a tooth to hide cosmetic defects. Veneers can cover stains, chips, cracks, discolorations and other problems that make your tooth not quite like the others. Veneers give the teeth a uniform appearance. Unlike crowns, which can be used to reinforce the structural integrity of the tooth, veneers are entirely cosmetic. You’re a good candidate for a veneer if you have healthy teeth with some cosmetic defects.

Find Out Which Tool Can Benefit You

Want to know more about dental crowns, bridges and veneers? Not sure which one is best for you? Make an appointment with the professionals at First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Contact us today.

Common Myths Surrounding Dental Bridges 

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When you have lost a tooth or a few teeth that make up your smile, a dental bridge can restore the appearance and chewing power you once had. While dental bridges in Sugar Land, TX are effective, many patients don’t know a lot about these fixtures. In fact, quite a few myths are common when it comes to dental bridges. Here is a look at some of those myths and the real truths you should know as a prospective patient.

Myth: Dental bridges are not very stable

Dental bridges can be almost as stable as your natural teeth when they are made of quality materials, well-fitted to your mouth, and installed properly. This is why it is imperative to work with a dentist in Sugar Land who has ample experience working with bridges. If the bridge feels unstable after installation, it may only need to be slightly adjusted to make it more sturdy.

Myth: Dental bridges are always attached to existing teeth

Even though the traditional method of affixing a bridge and keeping it stationary has always been to attach it to surrounding teeth, today, you do have another option. Dental implants can also be used to support a dental bridge. For patients that may not have the strongest existing teeth that would be ideal for bridge attachment, dental implants can be a logical option.

Myth: Dental bridges are prone to breakage

Dental bridges can be made out of varying materials, each with its own capabilities when it comes to how much pressure it can withstand when you bite. For the most part, the materials used in modern dentistry are highly resilient and do not break easily. Older bridges can be prone to deterioration after they have been in use for several years, so they may need to be replaced.

Work with a Sugar Land, TX Dentist for Help

When created and installed by the skilled hands of a Sugar Land, TX dentist, a dental bridge can be the ideal way to complete an imperfect smile. If you would like to know more about bridgework, reach out to us at First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule an appointment.