Are you missing a tooth? A dental bridge might be the perfect solution for you. At Premier Dental, Dr. Aric Kuehner offers high-quality dental bridge treatment in Clyde, OH. Bridges are a restorative dental treatment that can restore your bite and confidence.
What are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a way to replace missing teeth. Think of it like a real bridge, it spans across a gap. In your mouth, a dental bridge uses fake teeth to fill the space where natural teeth are missing. These fake teeth are held in place by attaching them to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap.
Dental bridges look and feel natural. They match the color of your real teeth, so no one will notice the difference. Bridges also help you chew food better and speak more clearly.
Missing teeth can cause several problems:
- Your remaining teeth might shift out of place
- You might have trouble chewing certain foods
- Your speech might be affected
- You might feel less confident about your smile
- Your face shape might change over time
A dental bridge solves these problems by filling in the gap and keeping everything in place.
Types of Dental Bridges
Each type of bridge has its own benefits, and the right choice depends on your individual needs. Dr. Kuehner will recommend a bridge based on the location of the missing tooth and the health of your surrounding teeth. Common types of bridges include:
Traditional Fixed Bridge
This is the most common type of dental bridge. It includes one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, that are held in place by dental crowns. These crowns are placed over the natural teeth on both sides of the gap. This type of bridge is strong and works well for replacing back teeth that do a lot of chewing.
Maryland Bridge
A Maryland bridge can replace missing front teeth. Instead of using crowns, it uses metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back of the nearby teeth. It doesn’t require as much reshaping of your natural teeth, which helps keep more of your healthy tooth structure. But it may not be as strong as other options for chewing.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is used when there is only one healthy tooth next to the missing tooth. In this case, the fake tooth is supported by a crown on just one side. This type of bridge isn’t as strong as a traditional bridge. It’s best for areas of the mouth that don’t get as much pressure from chewing.
Implant-Supported Bridge
This type of bridge uses dental implants instead of crowns or bonding to nearby teeth. The implants are small titanium posts placed in the jawbone that act like natural tooth roots. Once healed, the bridge is attached to the implants. Implant-supported bridges are very strong and are a great option for patients missing several teeth in a row.
Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants
When deciding between bridges and implants, Dr. Kuehner will help you understand what’s best for your specific needs.
Traditional bridges take less time to complete and don’t need surgery. They can work well even if you’ve lost some jawbone and cost less upfront. You can get a bridge in two to three visits.
Dental implants don’t require tooth preparation and won’t affect the health of your nearby teeth. The implant posts prevent bone loss in the jaw and keep your bridge stable. Implants also require surgery and can take longer to heal.
Implant bridges usually cost more upfront but don’t need to be rebased or replaced as often. Dental implants can also last a lifetime.
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Bridge
Getting a dental bridge with Dr. Kuehner is a simple process:
First Visit
Dr. Kuehner will examine your teeth and take X-rays. He’ll prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crowns. Then he’ll make impressions of your teeth, which will be sent to a dental lab to create your custom bridge. You’ll get a temporary bridge to wear while your permanent one is being made.
Second Visit
When your permanent bridge is ready, you’ll return to our office. Dr. Kuehner will remove the temporary bridge and place the new one. He’ll check to make sure it fits properly and feels comfortable. If everything looks good, he’ll cement it in place.
Follow-Up Care
Dr. Kuehner might want to see you for a follow-up visit to check how your bridge is working. He can also make any adjustments so your bridge feels comfortable.
Taking Care of Your Dental Bridge
With proper care, your dental bridge can last 5-15 years or even longer. Here’s how to keep it in good shape:
- Brush twice a day and floss daily
- Use a special floss threader or interdental brush to clean under the bridge
- Avoid chewing on hard foods or ice that could damage the bridge
- Visit Dr. Kuehner regularly for check-ups and cleanings
Why Choose Premier Dental of Clyde for Your Dental Bridge?
Dr. Aric Kuehner has over 20 years of experience in dentistry. After graduating from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 2004, he completed advanced training in general dentistry. His commitment to personalized care means he takes the time to understand your specific needs and concerns.
At Premier Dental of Clyde, we use the latest dental technology to ensure your bridge looks natural and fits perfectly. Dr. Kuehner will work with you to choose the right type of bridge based on your oral health, preferences, and budget.
Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation Today
Don’t let missing teeth affect your smile or confidence any longer. Contact Premier Dental of Clyde at (419) 547-6272 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kuehner. Our friendly team is ready to help you restore your smile with a beautiful, functional dental bridge.
Located at 510 E McPherson Hwy, Clyde, OH 43410, Premier Dental of Clyde is proud to serve patients from Clyde and surrounding communities.
Smile with confidence again! Let Dr. Kuehner and his team at Premier Dental of Clyde help you bridge the gap to a complete, healthy smile.