A dental bridge is a special tooth replacement that fills the gap left by missing teeth. Think of it like a real bridge. It connects one side to another.
At Mattson Hellickson Dental in Beaverton, we create custom dental bridges that look natural and help you smile with confidence again.
When you lose a tooth, it can make eating and talking harder. A gap in your smile can also make you feel less confident. Dental bridges solve these problems by placing a fake tooth (called a pontic) in the empty space. This tooth is held in place by crowns on the teeth next to the gap.
Dental bridges are fixed in your mouth, which means they don’t come out like dentures. They become part of your smile.
Why You Might Need a Dental Bridge
There are several reasons why our Beaverton dentists may recommend a dental bridges:
- To replace one or more missing teeth
- To help you chew food better
- To keep your face shape looking normal
- To prevent other teeth from moving out of place
- To improve your speech
- To upgrade a removable partial denture to a permanent bridge
- To restore your smile and boost confidence
Having gaps between your teeth can cause problems over time. Your remaining teeth might shift or rotate, leading to bite problems. Gaps can also lead to gum disease and jaw joint disorders. A dental bridge helps prevent these issues.
Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants
When you visit our Beaverton dental office with a missing tooth, we might discuss both bridges and implants. Dental Bridges:
- Usually completed in 2-3 visits
- Less expensive than implants
- No surgery needed
- Good option when teeth next to the gap need crowns anyway
- Typically last 10-15 years with proper care
There are key factors to take into consideration when choosing the best tooth replacement option. Dental implants can offer benefits for the longevity of your smile and quality of life:
- Don’t affect neighboring teeth
- Can last a lifetime
- Better for jawbone health
Dr. Mattson, Dr. Daraee, and Dr. Hellickson will help you decide which option is best for your specific needs, health conditions, and budget.
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Bridge
Getting a dental bridge at our Beaverton office is a relatively simple process that is completed over a few visits.
First Visit
During your first appointment, we prepare the teeth on either side of the gap. We gently reshape these teeth so they can hold the crowns that will support your bridge. Then we take impressions (molds) of your teeth to create your custom bridge. You’ll leave with a temporary bridge to protect your prepared teeth.
Between Visits
Our trusted dental lab crafts your custom bridge to match your natural teeth. This usually takes about 1-2 weeks.
Second Visit
When your permanent bridge is ready, you’ll return to our office. We’ll remove the temporary bridge and check that your new permanent bridge fits perfectly. We make sure it feels comfortable and looks natural before cementing it in place.
Some patients need a short adjustment period to get used to their new bridge. Your mouth may feel a little different at first, but most people adjust quickly.
Types of Dental Bridges
At Mattson Hellickson Dental in Beaverton, we offer several types of dental bridges to meet different needs. We will recommend the most suitable option for you during your consultation.
- Traditional Bridge: This is the most common type. It uses crowns on the teeth on both sides of the gap to hold the replacement tooth in place. Traditional bridges are strong and reliable.
- Cantilever Bridge: When there’s only one natural tooth next to the gap, we might use a cantilever bridge. These aren’t used as often, especially in the back of the mouth where chewing forces are stronger.
- Maryland Bridge: This conservative option uses metal or porcelain wings bonded to the backs of neighboring teeth instead of crowns. It’s often used for front teeth and preserves more of your natural tooth structure.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: For the strongest, most permanent solution, we might recommend an implant-supported bridge. These use dental implants surgically placed in your jawbone instead of relying on natural teeth for support.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Your new dental bridge can last many years if you take good care of it. Here are some simple tips:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Clean under your bridge with floss threaders or special brushes
- Visit our Beaverton office regularly for checkups and cleanings
- Avoid chewing on hard foods, ice, or objects that could damage your bridge
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth while sleeping
With proper care, your dental bridge from Mattson Hellickson Dental should give you years of comfortable chewing and confident smiling!
Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation
If you have missing teeth and live in or around Beaverton, OR, call Mattson Hellickson Dental today. Our caring team will evaluate your smile and discuss whether a dental bridge is right for you.
A beautiful, complete smile is just a phone call away, so call us at 503-308-7664. You can also request an appointment online. Let us help you bridge the gap and restore your confidence!
