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Dental Bridge

Redmond Smiles Family & Implant Dentistry

Dentists located in Redmond, WA

A missing tooth or teeth can push your other teeth out of alignment and cause functional problems. The team of dentists at Redmond Smiles Family & Implant Dentistry in Redmond, Washington restore your smile and keep your teeth straight with dental bridges and other tooth-replacement methods. Dental bridges can last for years and are treated and cleaned like natural teeth. Men and women in the Redmond area who need to replace a tooth or teeth can call Redmond Smiles for a consultation. Or just use the online form to set up an appointment.

Dental Bridge Q & A

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge consists of two types of connected structures: pontics and crowns.

Pontics are false teeth that fill in the gap left by your missing tooth or teeth. They attach to your remaining teeth by crowns that top the teeth on either side of the gap.

What happens when I get a bridge?

Your dentist prepares your adjoining teeth to accept the crowns by filing and re-shaping them. Next, they take impressions of the neighboring teeth and the gap. A laboratory then creates a custom-designed, precision-fit dental bridge.

You wear a temporary bridge for about two weeks. When your final bridge is ready, your dentist checks the fit and then cements it into place.  

What are the advantages of a bridge?

You don’t need surgery to get a dental bridge placed. Dental bridges last anywhere from five to 15 years, or even longer.

Dental bridges are easy to care for because you treat them just like natural teeth: Brush and floss after each meal and visit Redmond Smiles Family & Implant Dentistry twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning.  

What are the disadvantages of a bridge?

Your adjoining teeth have to be filed down to accept the crowns. If you ever decide to remove the bridge and switch to a dental implant, you’ll need to get permanent crowns to cover the adjoining teeth.

A dental bridge initially feels different from your natural teeth. Your speech may be affected for a short time.

What kinds of bridges can I choose from?

Dental bridges come in a variety of materials:

All-ceramic bridge

These are the most attractive and natural-looking, but it’s not as strong as the others. It’s the best cosmetic choice for front teeth.

Porcelain fused to metal

These are tooth-colored and stronger than all-ceramic bridges because it has a metal core. However, it isn’t as natural-looking.

Full gold bridge

These are the most durable, but least attractive bridge. It’s made only of high-noble metal (about 72% 18-karat gold and 3.5% platinum) and is best for your back teeth. If you are highly allergenic, this might be your best choice.

To get started with a dental bridge, call Redmond Smiles Family & Implant Dentistry. Or go to our website for a booking form.