DENTAL BRIDGES in Bend, OR
Are you needing a DENTAL BRIDGE?
All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing, and maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn’t necessarily have to occur as you age. But if you do lose teeth, they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.
A dental bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges) or they can be removable.
Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it’s difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.
What Is A Bridge/Fixed Partial Denture?
A dental bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device that fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.
Why Do I Need A Bridge?
Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.
Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders.
Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge.
Missing teeth can cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.
HOW IS A DENTAL BRIDGE ATTACHED?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment, Dr. Andrew Engel will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.
Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to the lab where the bridge will be constructed.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE USED?
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either a precious or non-precious metal.
HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY BRIDGE?
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance since the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.
INSURANCE, FINANCING AND OUR IN-OFFICE DENTAL PLAN
We believe that everyone has a right to the very best health care. And we believe that a healthy mouth is indicative of a healthy body.
DON’T COMPROMISE YOUR DENTAL CARE. CHOOSE A DENTIST YOU CAN TRUST, REGARDLESS OF INSURANCE.
At Living Dental Health, we are pleased to be in-network with a variety of dental insurance plans. If your dental plan is not one we are in-network for, we can still provide the same excellent services out-of-network. If you don’t see your plan below, give us a call to determine if your family’s treatments are covered.
Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made in advance. If you have questions, we are happy to provide clarification. Also, we accept most major credit cards and offer financing through CareCredit as well as an in-office dental plan.
NO INSURANCE? NO PROBLEM!
We are also delighted to offer an in-office dental plan. The plans available range from traditional dental services to include dental cleanings and an exam to more comprehensive dental care for those with conditions that require more frequent visits. Call our office to learn more about the dental plans at Living Dental Health.