Dental Bridges – Pittsburgh, PA

Saying Goodbye to Smile Gaps

It should go without saying that losing a tooth isn’t a good thing. In this situation, you’ll likely suffer harm to your looks, oral health, and quality of life. That means losing adjacent teeth – those that were side-by-side – is an even worse problem to face. Thankfully, you can always rely on Advanced Dental Solutions for dental bridges in Pittsburgh! Just keep reading to learn more about these prosthetics, or book a consultation soon.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A smiling older man sitting on a couch

A dental bridge (like a denture or dental implant) is a special oral device. By fusing materials to either side of an artificial tooth, it can replace one to four missing adjacent teeth. The result is that a bridge can often “fill” large smile gaps quickly.

Given these facts, the best candidates for dental bridges have lost adjacent teeth. These patients benefit the most from care; a bridge treatment can restore their smile in one go. Still, note that qualifying for dental bridges isn’t hard; most adults with fair oral health can get one.

The Types of Dental Bridges

A standard dental bridge set against a blue backgroundd

Before you actually get a dental bridge, our dentists will assess your smile. This exam lets them see how (or if) to tailor your treatment plan, ensuring you get quality results. They’ll use its feedback to suggest you get one of the following dental bridges:

Traditional Dental Bridge

A modern dental bridge held in a grayed hand

The traditional dental bridge (per its name) is the kind used most by today’s dentists. In terms of design, it’s made of dental crowns fused to either side of a pontic (i.e., an artificial tooth). This makeup means a regular bridge must use nearby natural teeth or “abutments” to stay secure.

Overall, a major upside to the traditional bridge is that it doesn’t cost much; Its materials aren’t that rare. The downside is that a dentist must remove enamel to place a traditional bridge.

Implant Bridge

A traditional dental bridge next to a jaw mockup and a dental tool

Unlike a regular one, an implant bridge uses dental implants – metal posts placed in your jawbone. These smaller restorations fuse with your jaw to keep the larger device stable and secure. In other words, an implant bridge’s implants stop it from falling or coming loose.

The largest benefit of implant bridges is that they don’t alter existing teeth. Since they rely on dental implants, a dentist doesn’t have to “prep” abutments to place them. The negative part is that implant bridges can be a tad expensive.

The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge

A 3D illustration of an implant bridge being placed

With our office’s dental bridges, you’ll enjoy:

Great Oral Health – By “filling” your smile gaps, a dental bridge stops harmful bacteria from spreading in your mouth. This effect reduces your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and worse.
A Gorgeous Grin – Dental bridges (traditional or not) blend with your smile due to their porcelain surfaces. Their material makes them look very lifelike, so your results should turn out great.
Easier Eating – Because a dental bridge provides teeth, it can help you chew many foods more easily.
Long-Lasting Effects – An average dental bridge lasts 5-15 years, while well-maintained ones can keep working for 20 years or more.

Rather than live with gaps in your grin, try dental bridges in Pittsburgh. You and your smile won’t regret that choice!