Dental Bridges
If you have a missing tooth or multiple teeth, it can have a significant impact on your smile, your bite, and even your overall dental health. A gap between your teeth can cause neighboring teeth to shift, resulting in changes to your bite that may lead to discomfort or other dental issues. A dental bridge is a great solution to fill this gap and restore both the function and appearance of your smile. At Mina Farid, DMD, our experienced Cherry Hill NJ dentist offers a variety of dental bridge options to meet your needs and help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device designed to fill the gap created by a missing tooth or teeth. The bridge uses the surrounding teeth as anchors, which are typically covered with porcelain crowns, and holds a false tooth, known as a pontic, in place. This not only restores the appearance of your smile but also prevents your teeth from shifting, which could otherwise lead to issues with chewing and biting.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are three main types of dental bridges that may be recommended by our Cherry Hill NJ dentist, depending on the location and condition of your teeth:
1. Traditional Fixed Bridge – This is the most commonly used dental bridge. It involves placing porcelain crowns on the two surrounding teeth, which act as anchors, with the false tooth fused between them. The false tooth is typically made from porcelain fused to metal or ceramics for a natural-looking finish.
2. Cantilever Bridge – Cantilever bridges are used when there is only one adjacent tooth available to support the bridge. These are typically placed in areas of the mouth that do not experience heavy chewing, such as the front teeth.
3. Resin-Bonded Bridge – In this type of bridge, metal bands are bonded to the adjacent teeth using resin, and a plastic false tooth is placed in the gap. This is commonly used for areas of the mouth that do not experience as much stress, like the front teeth.
How Is a Dental Bridge Placed?
Placing a dental bridge typically requires two visits to our Cherry Hill NJ dentist office. During the first visit, Dr. Farid will prepare the surrounding teeth for the crowns. This may involve reshaping the teeth so that the crowns can fit comfortably. An impression of your teeth will also be taken, which is sent to a dental laboratory to create your custom-made bridge. In the meantime, you will be fitted with a temporary bridge to protect your teeth.
During the second visit, our Cherry Hill NJ dentist will remove the temporary bridge and carefully place the permanent bridge. Adjustments may be made to ensure the fit is comfortable and the bridge aligns properly with your bite. Multiple visits may be needed to check the fit and make any necessary adjustments for optimal comfort.
Why Choose Mina Farid, DMD?
At Mina Farid, DMD, we are committed to providing high-quality, personalized care to ensure that your dental bridge fits perfectly and restores your smile to its full potential. Our trusted Cherry Hill NJ dentist is here to guide you through every step of the process and ensure that your experience is comfortable and positive. Call us today to schedule a consultation and discover how a dental bridge can improve your smile and overall dental health!