Cosmetic & General Dentistry located in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY
Missing teeth can make it hard to eat and talk properly, and negatively impact your oral health and your self-esteem. The experienced and caring dental team at DNTL, led by Dmitriy Kuznetsov, DDS, and Semyon Tilis, DDS, provides custom dental bridges for patients in the Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn, New York. Drs. Kuznetsov and Tilis may recommend a bridge to replace one or more missing teeth to improve both the function of your teeth and the aesthetic value of your smile. Find out if a dental bridge is right for you by calling the office to request an appointment or booking online.
- 347-487-4888
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Bridges Q & A
What is a dental bridge?
Dental bridges “bridge” the gap in your smile by replacing missing teeth with artificial ones. A dental bridge is a false tooth — or several teeth, called pontics — that is held in place by adjacent teeth on either side of the gap. These abutment teeth may be your natural teeth or dental implants.
There are four main types of bridges:
Traditional
A traditional bridge is one or more false teeth held in place by dental crowns that have been cemented permanently in place on both sides of the missing tooth.
Cantilever
A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, only there’s just one single abutment tooth on one side of the missing tooth.
Maryland
A Maryland bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, but it uses two natural abutment teeth on either side of your missing teeth.
Implant-supported
Implant-supported dental bridges attach to dental implants instead of crowns. Crowns fit over your teeth, but implants are permanent artificial teeth that become part of your jaw. They provide a secure framework for a pontic.
When would I need a dental bridge?
If you have one or more missing teeth as a result of an accident, decay, or a genetic condition, a dental bridge can help restore your smile in both form and function. When you don’t replace missing teeth, over time, the shape of your face can change as skin sags and your jawbone deteriorates.
A bridge restores your ability to chew and talk more easily while keeping your mouth and jaw healthy. Bridges also help adjacent teeth stay in place and help you maintain your proper bite position.
How do I care for a dental bridge?
Bridges are easy to care for. Simply brush your teeth twice a day as you normally would. It’s also a good idea to use dental floss or picks to clean the gums around your bridge to keep the area free from plaque buildup. Even though you can’t get tooth decay in an artificial tooth, your gums are still susceptible to gum disease.
Eating a healthy diet, maintaining good overall health, and seeing your dentist for regularly scheduled cleanings can help your dental bridges and all your teeth remain as healthy as possible. To book a bridge consultation, call the Bay Ridge office of DNTL or use the online tool.