Lifelike Restorations to Fill in Your Smile
Dental bridges are carefully crafted restorations that replace missing teeth to restore dental function. Our bridges are made from various restorative materials, such as porcelain or zirconia, which will blend naturally with your surrounding teeth. Dr. Dooley will carefully plan out your treatment. He will help you select the right material, and he will ensure that your bridge maintains your natural bite alignment.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges have two main components: dental crowns and pontics. The dental crowns are on either side of the bridge and fit over the healthy teeth flanking the gap in your smile. Dr. Dooley will place these restorations just as he would a traditional dental crown. Pontics are entirely new restorations, held in place by the abutment teeth. You can receive one or several pontics, which will fill in the space left by missing teeth.
Alternatively, you may select an implant-supported appliance. This permanent restoration will be secured to dental implant posts, and permanently affixed inside your jawbone. Although Dr. Dooley does not perform implant placement himself, he is happy to refer you to a local oral surgeon, and he will attach your beautifully crafted dental bridge when your gums and jawbone have healed.
Our lab makes bridges from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-porcelain, and zirconia. In most cases, we will recommend porcelain or zirconia, since they have a lifelike color and sparkle. However, we will always evaluate your health needs and budget, so we can choose the material that is most suited to you.
The Importance of Dental Bridges
If you are missing one or more teeth, you know how much this can affect your ability to eat and speak normally. By replacing these teeth, a dental bridge can restore your dental function. The restoration can also protect your oral health and prevent further damage. If you do not replace your missing teeth, your other teeth will eventually shift. In some cases, you could even experience tooth loss. Because bridges fill in those gaps in your smile, they can prevent dental misalignment and other concerns, as well as improve your appearance.
Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?
If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be a good candidate for a dental bridge. To receive a traditional bridge, your adjacent teeth must be healthy enough to uphold a dental crown. If you are considering an implant-supported bridge, we will evaluate your jaw health to make sure you have enough healthy bone volume. To schedule a consultation, call Scott Dooley Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-846-4438. We also proudly serve the residents of Dallas, Richardson, Wylie, Sachse, and all surrounding communities.