Overview
If one or more of your teeth have fallen out, it is not just a cosmetic issue — gaps in your teeth may cause your remaining teeth to shift out of place. This may lead to more tension when biting, pain when you chew, or even the impairment of speech. A bridge improves the health and appearance of your smile by filling in gaps using a false tooth that is supported by either your natural teeth, dental implants, or both. At My Island Dental in Merritt Island, FL, seasoned dentist Dr. Huy Tran offers dental bridges with high-quality materials to help give you back your smile. If you have gaps in your smile, schedule a consultation with Dr. Tran to learn more about your treatment options with dental bridges.
Best Candidates
Missing teeth are not just a cosmetic problem — spaces in your smile may heavily impact the health of your mouth. Your mouth is balanced carefully and a missing tooth may affect how well you can use it. Over time, gaps may lead to the shifting of teeth, causing problems with your bite (underbite, overbite, crossbite) and gum or jawbone atrophy. To place a bridge, the surrounding teeth must be healthy enough to hold the restoration, with good density in the jawbone and healthy gum tissue. Dr. Tran will examine your mouth at your consultation to help you decide the best type of bridge (cantilever, traditional, resin bonded, or Maryland bonded) and material (ceramic, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and metal).
What To Expect
Once your supporting teeth are prepped and filed down, Dr. Tran will take digital images and dental impressions so your bridge can be created. A temporary bridge may be used while your custom one is crafted. As soon as your bridge is ready, your mouth may be numbed with local anesthesia. Stronger sedation methods can be discussed for any dental anxieties or trouble with a gag reflex to help keep you calm during the placement. Your bridge can be glued into its position or connected to implants, based on the method you and Dr. Tran chose at your consult. Dr. Tran will adjust the position of your bridge so it is comfortable and stable.
Follow-Up
You should have a noticeable improvement in the appearance and function of your teeth. You may schedule a follow-up appointment at My Island Dental to adjust your bridge’s fit if it feels uncomfortable after it is placed. Dr. Tran or an assistant on his team will teach you how to maintain your bridge, including the ways to keep it clean and any foods to avoid. It’s important to keep your bridge and mouth clean because decay can develop under the bridge. If you properly care for it, your bridge may stay in place for several years. You should continue to schedule appointments at My Island Dental to get an annual dental examination and bi-annual dental cleanings. During your exams, Dr. Tran can check the health and wear of your bridge to decide if it should be replaced or repaired.
Insurance Coverage
Dental restorations like bridges are typically covered, at least in part, by dental insurance. One of our team members will work with your insurance company to calculate your coverage and out-of-pocket costs. My Island Dental offers several forms of payment, including financing options, that may be discussed during your consult with Dr. Tran. He will also help you choose the best bridge type and material to suit your budget and needs.
Dental Bridge Restorations
Even if you don’t mind the way your smile looks with a missing tooth, it may turn into long-term problems if you don’t seek treatment. Make an appointment with Dr. Tran to get more information about dental bridge restorations and the different options to fit your unique needs. My Island Dental is pleased to offer custom dental bridges that can improve the health and appearance of your smile. Contact our office in Merritt Island, FL to make your consultation.
