Restore Your Bite and Confidence with Dental Bridges at Carolina Coast Family Dentistry

Summary:

Did you know that nearly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 has lost all their teeth? This highlights the prevalence of tooth loss.

Having a missing tooth does much more than change the way your smile looks. These gaps in teeth can make chewing harder and throw off your bite, which might lead to jaw pain or uneven tooth wear.

Failing to address these gaps can also affect speech, making certain words harder to say clearly. Over time, missing teeth can change your facial shape, making your face appear older and reducing your self-confidence.

Many patients worry about how the tooth replacement will look, whether it will feel comfortable, how much it may cost, and how long the treatment will take. These are some common concerns. But the good news is that dental bridges offer a reliable, very natural-looking solution to restore both function and confidence.

In this article, we will cover:

What Are Dental Bridges and How Do They Work?
Types of Dental Bridges Offered at Carolina Coast Family Dentistry
Benefits of Choosing Dental Bridges to Restore Your Smile

Continue reading to learn more about how the experts at Carolina Coast Dentistry restore your bite and confidence.

What Are Dental Bridges and How Do They Work?

Dental bridges are among the most common and modern dental solutions for replacing one or more missing teeth. As the name suggests, they bridge the gap left by a missing tooth. A dental bridge helps restore your smile, improve chewing, and maintain your natural facial shape.

How Dental Bridges “Bridge the Gap”

A dental bridge bridges the gap between two teeth that has gap between them by placing an artificial tooth or teeth in the empty space. This replacement tooth is supported by the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Once the bridge is placed, it remains securely in position and functions like your natural teeth.

Key Components of a Dental Bridge

Abutment Teeth: These are the natural teeth on each side of the missing tooth. They support and hold the bridge in place.
Pontic: This is the replacement tooth that fills the gap and restores your smile.

Who Dental Bridges Are Ideal For

A dental bridge is an ideal solution for patients with one or more missing teeth and a few healthy surrounding teeth. It works best for patients who want a fixed, natural-looking restoration. Many patients choose dental bridges in Shallotte, NC, for their comfort, durability, and reliable results.

Types of Dental Bridges Offered at Carolina Coast Family Dentistry

Patients visiting Carolina Coast Family Dentistry are offered several types of dental bridges to restore missing teeth. Each option is selected based on your oral health, comfort, and long-term needs.

Traditional Dental Bridges

Traditional dental bridges are among the most common types used by patients and are highly recommended by dentists. It is done by placing crowns on the natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth.

Recommended when:

The neighboring teeth are strong and healthy
A durable and long-lasting solution is needed

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges are those bridges that are supported by only one adjacent tooth, and they are quite similar to traditional bridges.

Recommended when:

Only one nearby tooth is available for support
The missing tooth is not under heavy chewing pressure

Maryland (Resin-Bonded) Bridges

Maryland bridges are a type of dental bridge that uses a metal or ceramic framework bonded to the back of the neighbouring teeth.

Recommended when:

Minimal tooth preparation is preferred
Replacing front teeth where appearance matters most

Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

This type of dental bridge is supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth, providing excellent stability.

Recommended when:

Multiple teeth are missing in a row
A strong, long-term solution is desired

Your dentist will carefully explain the available options and help you choose the bridge that best fits your smile and lifestyle.

Benefits of Choosing Dental Bridges to Restore Your Smile

After losing a tooth, one of the best ways to restore both function and confidence is to choose dental bridges. When the bridges are placed correctly, they can help you to enjoy your daily activities without any sort of discomfort or hesitation, especially when you choose the best dentistry for bridges in Shallotte, NC.

Restores Proper Bite and Chewing

Dental bridges help to fill the gap that is left by missing teeth, which allows you to chew food comfortably and evenly. This helps reduce stains on your jaw and remaining teeth.

Prevents Teeth from Shifting

Empty spaces between teeth can cause nearby teeth to move out of place as they try to fill the gap. A dental bridge keeps your teeth aligned and supports long-term oral health.

Improves Speech Clarity

Missing teeth can also affect how certain words sound from your mouth. Bridges helps to improve pronunciation, thus making speech feel more natural again.

Enhances Facial Appearance

Dental bridges also support the facial structure and improve the aesthetics of your smile, while preventing a sunken look.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge: Long-Term Maintenance Tips

Daily Care at Home:

You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. For flossing, use floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean under the bridge and along the gumline.

Regular Dental Visits:

Seeing a dentist in Shallotte, NC, for routine checkups and cleanings helps catch issues early and keep your bridge in great shape.

Watch Your Diet:

Limit your consumption of hard, sticky, or sugary foods that can damage your bridge.

Why Care Matters:

Proper care for dental bridges can help them last longer and keep you comfortable.

FAQs

What’s the lifespan of dental bridges?

On average, dental bridges can last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care.

Does undergoing dental bridges become a painful procedure?

No, the procedure is not at all painful. Dentists use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable.

Is it possible to eat normally while wearing a dental bridge?

Yes, once you are used to it, you can eat most foods normally. However, it is best to avoid hard or sticky foods.

How many teeth can a bridge replace?

A dental bridge can replace one or several missing teeth in a row. It depends on your oral health.

Conclusion:

It is important to replace missing teeth promptly to protect your oral health and confidence. Dental bridges help restore your ability to chew, speak, pronounce certain words clearly, and smile without hesitation.

Ready to take the next step towards a healthier, more confident smile? Schedule a consultation with Carolina Coast Family Dentistry today.

Takeaway:

Dental bridges restore your bite, speech, and smile by filling gaps left by missing teeth.
They prevent teeth from shifting and help maintain your natural facial shape and confidence.
With proper care, dental bridges provide a comfortable, long-lasting tooth-replacement option.