Dental Bridges are Your Reliable Path to a Complete Smile
At Hermitage Dental in Edmonton, we know that a missing tooth is about more than just a gap in your smile. It can affect your confidence, make eating your favorite foods difficult, and even change the way you speak. We believe everyone deserves a smile that is both healthy and complete. Dental bridges are a trusted and effective way to fill those gaps and restore your smile’s function and beauty.
As part of our restorative dentistry services, we use dental bridges to give you back a natural-looking and fully functional smile. Our experienced team will guide you through every step, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable. Our goal is to help you leave our Edmonton dental clinic with a smile that looks great, feels natural, and lets you live life without hesitation.
Dental Bridges in Edmonton, AB
A dental bridge is a fixed, or permanent, replacement for one or more missing teeth. Think of it as a literal bridge that spans the gap in your smile. It is made up of two main parts:
- Pontics: These are the artificial teeth that fill the empty space.
- Abutments: These are the supports on either side of the gap. They’re usually the healthy teeth next to the space, which are carefully prepared to hold the bridge securely in place.
The entire bridge is custom-crafted as a single piece. Our team provides a strong and stable solution that you don’t have to take out to clean.
How Does a Dental Bridge Work? The Simple Process
Getting a dental bridge typically involves two comfortable visits to our clinic.
Visit One: Preparation and Planning
First, we’ll gently prepare the abutment teeth, or the teeth on each side of the gap. This involves removing a thin layer of enamel to make room for the bridge and crowns to fit over them. You’ll be completely numb and should feel no discomfort. Next, we take a highly detailed impression, or mold, of your teeth.
We send this mold to a dental lab where technicians craft your custom bridge to match the exact shape and color of your teeth. Before you leave, we place a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth and your gum.
Visit Two: Placing Your New Smile
When your custom bridge is ready, you’ll return for your second visit. We remove the temporary bridge and carefully check the fit, color, and feel of your new bridge. Then we make sure it fits comfortably and that your bite feels perfectly natural.
Once everything is just right, our Edmonton dentists permanently cement the bridge into place. You’ll leave our office with a completely restored smile.
The Benefits of Choosing a Dental Bridge
Dental bridges offer several important advantages for your health and daily life:
- Restores Eating and Speaking: A bridge replaces the missing tooth structure. This lets you chew comfortably and speak clearly without worrying about food getting stuck or your words slipping.
- Maintains Your Face’s Natural Shape: Missing teeth can cause the facial muscles to sag, making you look older. A bridge supports your lips and cheeks, helping to maintain your natural facial contour.
- Prevents Teeth from Shifting: Teeth are like neighbors in a tight space; if one moves out, the others start to drift into the empty spot. A bridge keeps the remaining teeth in their proper positions, preventing crookedness and bite problems.
- A Natural, Beautiful Appearance: We craft bridges from high-quality, tooth-colored materials like porcelain. The result is a seamless restoration that blends perfectly with your natural teeth, giving you a smile you’ll be proud to show.
Caring for Your New Bridge
A dental bridge is built to last for many years with the right care and attention. Keeping it in great condition is very similar to caring for your natural teeth:
- Brush Twice a Day: Brush your teeth and the bridge thoroughly, paying special attention to the area where the bridge meets your gum.
- Floss Daily: It’s important to clean under the artificial tooth (pontic) and around the supporting teeth. We can show you special floss threaders or water flossers that make this easy.
- Keep Up with Dental Visits: Regular checkups and cleanings every six months are essential. We’ll professionally clean around the bridge and check its integrity to ensure it stays in perfect condition for as long as possible.
If you ever feel the bridge become loose or experience any discomfort, please contact us right away. Prompt attention can prevent minor issues from becoming bigger problems.
Ready to Complete Your Smile?
If you’re tired of dealing with the hassle of a missing tooth, a dental bridge from Hermitage Dental Clinic in Edmonton can provide a dependable solution. Our skilled team is dedicated to providing you with personalized care and the highest quality results.
Take the first step toward a confident and complete smile. Contact Hermitage Dental today to schedule your personal consultation. Call us at 587-806-4168 or request an appointment online. Let’s discuss how a dental bridge can help you eat, speak, and smile with confidence again!