Appointment RequestDental Bridges – Vero Beach, FL
Seamlessly Bridge the Gaps in Your Smile
Are you missing one or more teeth? You’re not alone. According to the Academy of Prosthodontists, around 140 million people are missing at least one tooth. Luckily, our team at Ocean Oaks Dental Group of Vero Beach offers a high-quality tooth replacement solution that can help you enjoy a complete smile once again – dental bridges. With this option, you can have an aesthetically pleasing appearance and regain complete function of your teeth. If you’d like to learn more about this method of tooth replacement, continue reading or call our office and make an appointment with our team today!
Why Choose Ocean Oaks Dental Group of Vero Beach for Dental Bridges?
- High-Quality & Durable Restorations
- Natural-Looking Artificial Teeth
- Compassionate & Experienced Dental Team
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a custom-made prosthetic created from materials like ceramic and porcelain. It’s held in place by abutment teeth on either side of the gap, effectively closing the gaps in your smile. The ideal candidate for a dental bridge is someone who’s in great health, has strong teeth free of decay, and is missing one to four consecutive teeth. Since the materials used to make this prosthetic are color-matched to your enamel, it’ll blend seamlessly with your remaining teeth once in place.
Types of Dental Bridges
First and foremost, you’ll have a consultation with our team at Ocean Oaks Dental Group of Vero Beach. We’ll conduct an oral examination, review your medical history, and ask about your smile goals to determine which type of dental bridge is right for you. Based on our findings, we’ll recommend one of the following options:
Traditional Bridge
A traditional dental bridge is anchored to your mouth with crowns. It’s the best solution to replace one or more missing teeth that are right next to each other. Keep in mind that your natural teeth will need to be altered in preparation for your prosthetic.
Implant Bridge
If you want a solution that provides unmatched stability and durability, you may want to consider an implant bridge. This prosthetic is secured to your mouth using two dental implants instead of crowns. Each implant is placed on either side of the gap in your smile. Once it’s fused with the jawbone via osseointegration, we’ll attach the dental bridge to complete your grin. The best part is that this method of tooth replacement doesn’t require any alteration of your natural teeth!
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
By choosing to close the gaps in your smile with a dental bridge, you can enjoy a range of benefits, including:
- Maintained alignment of your remaining teeth
- Better oral health
- Jawbone preservation with implant bridges
- Long-lasting results (about 15 years with traditional bridges and over 35 with implant ones)
- Natural-looking replacement teeth that blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile
- Lower maintenance
Do you think you can benefit from a dental bridge? Call our office and schedule a consultation with our team today!
Dental Bridge FAQs
How Many Teeth Can You Replace with a Bridge?
A dental bridge can treat 1 or more lost teeth in a row. A bridge is most often recommended to treat 1-3 teeth. Although it is possible to replace several teeth, longer restorations may not be as stable and can have a higher failure rate. A partial denture or implant bridge may be a better option if you're missing more than 3 teeth.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
A traditional bridge and crowns will last for about 10 years before needing to be replaced. It’s not unusual for them to last for much longer. Many factors affect the life expectancy of a bridge, like the materials used. You can get the most from your investment by keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes and floss daily. Visit your dentist in Vero Beach every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. It’s best to break any bad habits that can damage your restoration, like eating ice, chewing on your fingernails, or using your teeth as tools. Limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Moderate your consumption of hard or sticky foods. Ask your dentist for a nightguard if you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth.
Are Dental Implants Cheaper Than a Bridge?
A traditional bridge is less expensive upfront than dental implants, but it will cost more overall. An implant-supported bridge has over a 95% success rate and is proven to last for 30 years or more with the right care, unlike a fixed bridge, which needs to be replaced every few years. Dental implants also replace the roots of your teeth to keep your jawbone strong and healthy. You’ll avoid many common issues caused by tooth loss to reduce your long-term dental expenses. Not to mention, they closely look and feel like your real teeth. You can’t put a price on the benefits you’ll gain.
Can I Use My Dental Insurance to Pay for a Bridge?
Your dental insurance may cover your consultation, diagnostic services, and any preparatory procedures. After meeting your annual deductible, your dental insurance may pay some of the expenses for your bridge until you reach your yearly limit. A member of our office will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any applicable coverage. They will explain how your benefits are being used and your payment options for any remaining balance, like monthly installments.