Dental Bridges in Denver, CO

Filling the gaps left by missing teeth is vital not only for your smile’s look but also for your oral health and dental function. Without a complete set of teeth, you might face challenges in chewing and speaking, experience shifting of the surrounding teeth, risk losing jawbone density, and even see alterations in your facial shape. Dental bridges provide a dependable fix for these problems, bridging the spaces and restoring your smile’s function and appearance.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are custom-made devices designed to replace one or more missing teeth in a row. They are anchored securely to dental implants or neighboring teeth on either side of the gap. They consist of replacement teeth—known as pontics—and crowns or implants that serve as anchors.

A bridge offers a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth. The appliance bridges the gap created by missing teeth and prevents the oral health issues that stem from tooth loss. It restores your smile, allows you to speak and chew more effectively, and halts your remaining teeth from shifting. A bridge can also prevent bone loss when used with dental implants.

Types of Dental Bridges

Each dental bridge type has distinct advantages, catering to various needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, seeking a durable and lasting solution, or searching for a more affordable option, there’s a dental bridge that fits every situation.

  • Traditional bridge: This bridge uses a pontic, or false tooth, anchored by dental crowns attached to the teeth next to the gap. This method fills the gap and offers strong and reliable support for everyday use, making it a popular choice for restoring one or more missing teeth in a row.
  • Cantilever bridge: This type of bridge is similar to a traditional bridge. However, the pontic is attached with just one crown instead of two. It’s a suitable solution when the gap has a healthy tooth on just one side, offering a reliable restoration method even when a traditional bridge isn’t possible.
  • Maryland bridge: Unlike a traditional or cantilever bridge, which requires filing down teeth to make space for the crowns, a Maryland bridge offers a non-invasive alternative. Rather than using dental crowns, this bridge has a pontic with connected metal wings. We bond these wings to the back of the adjacent teeth, minimizing the need to alter these supporting teeth.
  • Implant-supported bridge: This type of bridge uses dental implants as the foundation, with one implant at each end of the gap and the pontics suspended between them. Unlike other bridges that rely on adjacent teeth for support, implant-supported bridges gain stability from implants inserted into the jawbone.

Implant-Supported Bridges: A Closer Look

Utilizing mini dental implants offers various advantages for implant-supported bridges. By anchoring directly to the jawbone, these bridges provide a solid foundation without relying on surrounding teeth. As a result, they preserve the integrity and strength of your remaining teeth.

One key advantage of implant-supported bridges is their ability to replicate the function of natural teeth. Thanks to their construction from durable materials and their anchoring in the jawbone, they restore your natural chewing ability and support bite force. The titanium used in the implants ensures enhanced support and longevity, significantly outperforming traditional bridges that depend on adjacent teeth for support.

Additionally, implant-supported bridges contribute to long-term jaw health. Following tooth loss, the jawbone can deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation from the tooth’s roots. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide the necessary stimulation to maintain jawbone health and prevent bone loss. This not only supports the bridge’s structural integrity but also contributes to the overall vitality of your jawbone.

The Benefits of Mini Dental Implants

When you opt for mini dental implants for your bridge, you’re choosing a solution that offers distinct advantages over traditional implants. Mini implants are less invasive, requiring a more straightforward and less painful placement process, which significantly reduces recovery time. This makes them an ideal choice for patients seeking a quicker, more comfortable route to dental restoration.

Mini implants are also more affordable than their traditional counterparts, providing a cost-effective solution without compromising quality or durability. Their smaller size does not mean less strength; in fact, mini implants provide ample support for bridges, ensuring a secure and stable fit. This combination of benefits makes mini dental implants a superior choice for many patients, blending ease of placement, affordability, and reliable performance.

Dental Bridges: The Process

Tooth-Supported Bridges

During your complimentary consultation, Dr. Bashi will thoroughly examine your oral health to evaluate if dental bridges are a suitable option for you. He will also share insights into the procedure, discuss potential costs, and explore financing options.

For traditional or cantilever bridges, Dr. Bashi will prepare the anchor teeth by gently removing a small amount of enamel. To ensure you’re comfortable throughout the process, he will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area. He will also take impressions so that your custom bridge can be crafted at the dental lab, a process that takes two to three weeks on average. In the interim, Dr. Bashi will place a temporary bridge to protect your teeth.

When your custom bridge is ready, Dr. Bashi will remove the temporary bridge and place the new one. He’ll make sure that it feels comfortable and check for proper bite alignment before bonding it permanently to your teeth.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Your implant bridge consultation includes a comprehensive oral exam and a 3D scan of your teeth and jaw. Using this information, Dr. Bashi can determine if you are a strong candidate for dental implants.

Due to their smaller size, mini dental implants can be placed in one visit using a minimally invasive technique. This results in less discomfort, a swifter recovery, and expedited outcomes compared to conventional implant bridges. To place the mini dental implants, Dr. Bashi will drill a tiny pilot hole through the gums and insert the implant into the jawbone. He’ll repeat this process for each implant, ensuring each one is placed precisely and securely. As soon as the implants are in place, he will take impressions and attach your temporary bridge.

After the mini implants have healed and your custom bridge has been created at the dental lab, Dr. Bashi will cement the bridge onto the implants.

Combat Tooth Loss With Dental Bridges

Ready to restore your smile and reclaim optimal oral health? Dr. Bashi and the team at the Mini Dental Implant Center of America in Denver are eager to help. Whether you are considering traditional, cantilever, Maryland, or implant-supported bridges, we will help you discover personalized solutions that fit your oral health needs. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

With proper care, permanent fixed dental bridges can last 15 years or more. Their longevity depends on a combination of professional dental cleanings and your oral hygiene practices.

Dental bridges are customized to replace two or three consecutively missing teeth or even an entire arch, ensuring a seamless fit with your natural oral structure. They are made from high-quality materials like zirconia for a durable and natural appearance.

The price of a dental bridge varies based on the type of bridge, the materials used, and the complexity of the procedure. Dental insurance often provides some level of coverage, but the covered amount depends on your plan’s details. Our team is here to help you understand your insurance benefits and how they apply to dental bridge procedures. Additionally, we collaborate with financing companies to make your treatment as affordable as possible, ensuring you can access the care you need without financial stress.

Getting a dental bridge is generally painless. We use local anesthesia to numb your gums before starting the procedure, ensuring your comfort. Any post-procedure sensitivity is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen. It’s worth noting that individual experiences may vary, and we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs. Rest assured, our goal remains centered on providing you with a seamless and comfortable journey throughout the entire dental bridge process.