Dental Bridges – McKinney, TX

Closing the Gaps In Your Smile

If you’re missing one or several teeth in a row, then you know how much of a toll it can take on both your oral health and your self-esteem. Not only does it make it difficult to speak clearly and eat comfortably, but it can also keep you from smiling confidently. On top of that, your remaining pearly whites can begin to shift out of place, and you may be more vulnerable to issues like cavities and gum disease. The good news is that our team at Lake Forest Dental of McKinney can effectively restore your missing teeth with dental bridges. With these durable restorations, you’ll be able to close the gaps so that you can enjoy your full smile again! Reach out to us today if you wish to learn more about dental bridges in McKinney.

a woman smiling with a dental bridge in McKinney

Why Choose Lake Forest Dental for Dental Bridges?

  • Durable & Lifelike Dental Restorations
  • Expert, Dedicated & Caring Dental Team
  • Sedation Available For A Comfortable Experience

What Is a Dental Bridge?

person holding an example of a dental bridge in McKinney

A dental bridge is a single apparatus containing several dental crowns that are fused together. The two extra replacement teeth at either end of the restoration will be fitted over the existing teeth near the gap in your smile. Once these dental crowns are cemented in place, the pontics will essentially bridge the space, providing a durable and natural-looking solution for your pearly whites.

Types of Dental Bridges

example of a dental bridge in McKinney

Our team offers two kinds of dental bridges: traditional and implant bridges. The best way to determine which option will be best for you is to schedule a consultation with us to assess your situation. Several factors can influence which type of restoration will best suit you, such as your oral health, jawbone mass, and personal preference. Before coming in for your evaluation, here’s what you can expect from your dental bridge options:

Traditional Dental Bridge

example of a traditional dental bridge in McKinney

This restoration usually takes about two appointments to complete. We’ll first have to prepare your teeth on either side of your gap by shaving down a small portion of your enamel. After taking impressions of your smile and sending them to a dental lab for fabrication, we can then place a temporary restoration to cover your exposed teeth. In about a couple of weeks, we’ll call you back into our office so that we can bond your permanent dental bridge in place.

Implant Bridge

example of an implant dental bridge in McKinney

Unlike a traditional one, an implant bridge will not be supported by the healthy teeth adjacent to the gap in your smile. This restoration will be directly anchored to your jawbone via dental implants. Since these titanium posts will serve as your new roots, this will provide a more secure and durable replacement option in the long run. The process of receiving an implant bridge can take several months to complete, but your results can last several decades to a lifetime with proper care.

The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge

a man smiling with a dental bridge in McKinney

Here are several advantages you can expect to appreciate by restoring your smile with dental bridges:

  • Seamlessly rebuild your missing pearly whites
  • Avoid a misaligned bite or dental drift
  • Simple and easy to maintain
  • Preserve better oral health
  • Boosts confidence in your smile
  • Long-lasting solution (15 years for traditional bridges, 30+ for implant bridges)

Dental Bridges FAQs

a woman smiling about her dental bridges in McKinney

If you’re missing one or several teeth in a row, then you understand how a gap in your smile can make tasks like eating and talking difficult. Fortunately, you can easily fix this issue with a reliable dental bridge. While this restoration option provides many benefits for your oral health, you may want to know more about it before committing to the treatment. For this reason, our team has taken the time to collect and respond to several of our most commonly asked questions about dental bridges in McKinney. Read along or give us a call today if you don’t see the information you’re looking for or want to schedule your initial consultation.

Do Dental Bridges Feel Natural?

Your permanent dental bridge should begin to feel increasingly natural within several days of receiving them. While your restoration will be supported by nearby healthy teeth, it’ll be specifically customized based on the impressions we took of your smile. This means they should seamlessly blend with the rest of your pearly whites and won’t feel awkward. Dental bridges are also constructed out of durable porcelain material that can withstand excessive pressure from everyday chewing just like your natural enamel. You’ll be able to eat your favorite meals without noticing the difference!

Can Dental Bridges Get Cavities?

Since dental bridges are made out of non-organic materials, they can’t develop cavities. However, this doesn’t mean the underlying teeth will be completely immune to damage and infections. Food particles and debris can end up stuck beneath the pontics or beneath where the bridge meets the gums. If left unchecked, they can fuel the natural bacteria in your mouth and result in oral health issues like cavities and even gum disease. For this reason, you’ll need to practice proper dental hygiene every day and clean your bridge thoroughly.

How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?

Dental bridges can typically replace anywhere from one to four missing teeth, depending on the patient’s needs. That said, most of these restorations are used to restore only one or two at a time. The longer a bridge extends across your smile, the less stability it’ll have in the long run. Since your treatment will mostly rely on the strong and healthy abutment teeth supporting your restoration, a lengthier bridge will spell more complications if an oral health issue occurs and affects the pearly whites nearby. You might consider getting implant bridges, which can lower your risks and will remain as secure as natural teeth.

Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?

Before beginning any work, our team will completely numb your mouth with a local anesthetic. This means you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. Once we’ve prepared your abutment teeth and placed your dental bridge, you’ll likely experience some sensitivity in your underlying teeth for several days. Luckily, this can easily be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Your bridge will also keep your remaining teeth from drifting out of place, preventing future discomfort. If any pain persists or worsens over time, be sure to contact us for help.