Dental Bridges – Charlottesville, VA
Filling in the Gaps to Create a Seamless Smile
There are many causes of tooth loss, including extensive decay, facial trauma, and advanced gum disease. To replace one or more missing teeth and restore their integrity, Dr. Lippard may suggest a fixed, non-removable bridge. The prosthetic uses a handcrafted, artificial tooth, called a pontic, which spans the gap and is attached to the adjacent healthy teeth by way of crowns. Dr. Lippard offers a choice of material for your customized bridge and will help you decide which is best based on the location of your missing tooth or teeth. Call us today to schedule an appointment if you would like to discuss the potential of receiving a dental bridge.
Why Choose Dr. Hal M. Lippard, DDS for Dental Bridges?
- Natural-Looking Dental Materials Used for Enhanced Aesthetics
- Flexible Dental Financing is Available to Reduce Treatment Costs
- Expert Dentist with Decades of Proven Experience
What is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are designed to replace missing teeth, either as a result of tooth decay or physical injury that leaves them knocked out. Whether you need to replace a single tooth or you need to replace multiple consecutive missing teeth, it can be done with dental bridges. We’ll make sure that your bridge feels comfortable and looks as natural as possible, so you can show your smile off to friends and family with confidence.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are two different types of dental bridges that Dr. Lippard will go over with you during your consultation. This visit is essential to ensure the correct prosthetic is crafted for your smile. During this visit, he will evaluate your oral and overall health as well as determine whether a fixed or implant bridge is the best option based on your smile, preference, and budget.
Traditional Dental Bridge
Combining artificial teeth (pontics) and customized dental crowns, a traditional, fixed bridge fills in the gap left behind by one or more missing teeth. Not only does its placement deliver greater confidence by creating a complete smile, but it also alleviates tension placed on healthy teeth when biting down. Instead, the prosthetic allows for a more even bite so that the potential for enamel erosion and jaw pain is significantly reduced.
Implant Bridge
A fixed bridge can be attached to dental implants – titanium posts that are placed within the jawbone and fuse to the surrounding tissues and bone over time. Placing at least two in designated areas of your bone, a custom bridge is secured on top of the posts to create a stable, longer-lasting set of teeth. This type of prosthetic can last 30+ years and allow you to eat all your favorite foods.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge?
Many patients living with multiple missing teeth often do not think it’s a big deal, choosing to forgo treatment because of the time, effort, and cost. Unfortunately, failing to have a tooth or teeth replaced can lead to bone loss over time.
By choosing to replace missing teeth with a dental bridge, though, you can expect to enjoy many great benefits, such as:
- Natural teeth remain in place instead of shifting out of alignment
- Improved confidence because of your new, complete smile
- The ability to eat foods that were once impossible when living with missing teeth
- Reduced chance of developing more serious oral health problems, such as loose teeth, bone loss, and even gum disease
You are encouraged to call our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lippard if you are ready to learn more about dental bridges. We’re here to help!