Missing teeth can affect your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. At Whitley Family Dental, Dr. Bill and our team offer custom-designed dental bridges to restore function and aesthetics while ensuring long-term oral health.
Bridge or implant? Which option is right for you?
When replacing a missing tooth, patients often have two main options: a dental bridge or a dental implant. Both treatments have their own advantages, and the right choice depends on your specific dental needs.
Dental Bridge
A bridge is a non-removable dental restoration that consists of crowns on the natural teeth adjacent to the missing tooth, with a false tooth (pontic) in between to fill the gap. Bridges restore function and appearance while relying on the support of your existing teeth.
A bridge may be recommended if the adjacent teeth already need crowns or restorations, making the bridge a more practical and cost-effective choice.
Dental Implant
A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the missing tooth’s root. Once the implant integrates with the bone, a custom crown is placed on top, creating a standalone tooth replacement that does not rely on adjacent teeth.
An implant may be recommended if the neighboring teeth are healthy and do not require treatment. Since an implant does not affect adjacent teeth, it can be the more conservative option.
Types of Dental Bridges
Dr. Bill offers different types of bridges based on your specific needs:
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Bridges: These bridges offer a combination of strength and aesthetics, with a metal substructure covered by tooth-colored porcelain.
- Full Gold Bridges: Known for their durability, full gold bridges are often recommended for back teeth where strength is a priority.
The Bridge Treatment Process
Creating and placing a dental bridge involves multiple steps to ensure a precise and comfortable fit:
- Preparation of Support Teeth: The adjacent teeth are reshaped to accommodate the crowns that will hold the bridge in place.
- Impressions and Fabrication: A detailed impression of the prepared teeth is taken and sent to a dental lab, where the custom bridge is fabricated.
- Temporary Bridge Placement: While your permanent bridge is being made, a temporary bridge is placed to protect your teeth and maintain function.
- Final Fitting and Cementation: Once the bridge is ready, we ensure proper fit and bite alignment before permanently cementing it in place.
Caring for Your Bridge
A well-maintained dental bridge can last for many years. Proper oral hygiene and routine checkups at our Dallas dental office are essential to ensure its longevity.
- Brushing and Flossing: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and use floss or specialized bridge flossers to clean around and underneath the bridge.
- Waterpik or Proxy Brushing: These tools help remove plaque and debris from hard-to-reach areas.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Routine visits allow us to monitor your bridge, supporting teeth, and overall oral health.
Our Approach to Treatment Planning
Dr. Bill and the Whitley Family Dental team believe in educating our patients about their treatment options. We outline the benefits and drawbacks of each option, ensuring you can make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and budget.
We understand that bridges and implants are significant investments, and we provide detailed treatment plans with transparent pricing and financing options. Our goal is to offer high-quality dental care without high-pressure sales tactics. We do not "sell" dentistry, we practice dentistry with integrity and a patient-first approach.
If you're considering a bridge or other tooth replacement options, call or request an appointment online to discuss the best solution for your smile.