Dental Bridges San Antonio
A Traditional Way to Replace Missing Teeth
There’s more than one way to replace missing teeth. In many cases, we may suggest a time-tested solution for filling in the gaps in your grin: a personalized dental bridge. With a well-made dental bridge, you can once again enjoy the benefits of a complete set of teeth. Don’t wait to do something about the space in your smile; call us today to ask about receiving a dental bridge in San Antonio.
Why Choose Troy Jones, DDS & Associates for Dental Bridges?
- Dazzling, Long-Lasting Tooth Replacements
- Knowledgeable Dentists with Decades of Experience
- Dental Team Trusted by San Antonio For Generations
What Is a Dental Bridge?
When there’s a gap in your smile, a dental bridge can be used to fill it. Unlike a denture, a dental bridge is meant to stay anchored in your mouth at all times. It is traditionally attached to two of your natural teeth, but in some situations, it can be supported by a pair of dental implants.
To create a bridge, one or more pontics (artificial teeth) are suspended between two crowns, which are used to keep the prosthesis attached to your mouth. Both the crowns and the pontics can be customized to match the appearance of your natural teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges
When you decide to get a dental bridge, you are likely to wonder whether you should get a traditional or an implant bridge. Both treatments have advantages and disadvantages to consider, so a decision should only be made once you and your dentist have thoroughly discussed your situation. Here are the basics of what you need to know about both kinds of bridges.
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional bridge offers a relatively easy way to get rid of the space left by a missing tooth or several consecutive teeth. You can only receive a traditional dental bridge if the teeth next to the gap can support the crowns.
Implant Bridge
An implant bridge can be placed if at least three teeth in a row are missing. Dental implants come with many advantages, such as providing additional chewing power and offering a longer lifespan than other tooth replacement options. If you choose to have dental implants placed, our team will be able to perform the procedure in-office.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
While there are aesthetic advantages to filling in any gaps in your smile, dental bridges also offer a number of other benefits. Having a dental bridge placed will help ensure that your remaining teeth stay properly aligned. Furthermore, a dental bridge is easy to clean, which can go a long way toward helping you maintain a healthy smile.
Dental Bridges FAQs
Can You Take a Dental Bridge Out?
Typically, no. Traditional dental bridges are designed to be fixed restorations, which means you won't be able to take them out on your own. They’re securely cemented to their supporting teeth (or dental implants), so only a dentist can remove them if necessary. This is what makes them feel more natural during everyday activities compared to removable options.
If you’re looking for something you can remove for cleaning or maintenance, a partial denture might be better for your needs. At our San Antonio office, we’ll help you decide whether a fixed dental bridge or a removable option is best for you.
Is a Partial Denture the Same as a Bridge?
Partial dentures aren’t the same as dental bridges, even if they do seem to fulfil similar purposes. A partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your remaining teeth and can be taken out for cleaning.
Meanwhile, a dental bridge is a fixed restoration that is placed over purposefully-shaped natural teeth. Each appliance has its pros and cons, which we’ll go over in detail at your consultation. At Jones & Knight DDS in San Antonio, we’ll always explore every option, so you can choose the one that best fits your lifestyle, budget, and oral health.
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
A dental bridge can typically replace one to four missing teeth in a row, depending on your specific situation. However, the exact number depends on the strength and health of the supporting teeth, your bite, and the material used.
It’s important to keep in mind that the more teeth a bridge replaces, the less stable it will be. This is why we’ll often recommend an alternative solution, like an implant bridge, if there are too many teeth missing in one area. This ensures you get the most stable bite so you can enjoy your favorite foods while keeping your smile beautiful and strong.
Can Dental Bridges Be Whitened?
Unfortunately, dental bridges can't be whitened with traditional treatments. The all-ceramic materials we use in bridges are color-stable, which means they don’t respond to whitening agents the way natural tooth enamel does.
If you know you’ll want whitening as part of your smile makeover, we can work it into your treatment plan. This allows us to whiten your teeth before your bridge is made, so it’s sure to blend into your natural teeth.
However, if your bridge has already been placed, the only way to keep it discreet is to replace it with a new one.