Bridges
Filling in the Gaps of Your Smile
When it comes to replacing multiple missing teeth, there are a few ways you can go about restoring your smile. While some patients prefer the surgical method used with dental implants, others would rather opt for a less invasive approach that still offers great stability and beautiful results – a dental bridge in Houston, TX. Dr. Mark Gray can restore the look of your smile using your natural teeth as anchors to hold your custom-made prosthetic in place. Not only does a bridge not require months of healing, but it’s a more affordable option for patients who are having trouble figuring out how they can maintain good oral health without breaking the bank. Contact us to find out if a dental bridge in Houston, TX is the right treatment option for you.
Why Choose Mark Gray, DDS Cosmetic and Family Dentistry for a Dental Bridge?
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
Patients who have several consecutive missing teeth can achieve outstanding results with a dental bridge; however, there are a few caveats that Dr. Gray must consider before agreeing to place this type of restoration. Some of these include:
- Your natural teeth on either side of the gap must be healthy. If they are decayed or plagued by cavities, this can be problematic when trying to place a dental bridge, as they need to be strong enough to hold up your restoration.
- There must be enough enamel on these natural teeth. Dr. Gray will need to file them down to ensure the supporting dental crowns fit snugly over the teeth.
- You should have good oral health and be free of gum disease. If plaque and tartar spread beneath the gum line, it can negatively impact your teeth, causing them to become loose or fall out. This can cause a dental bridge to be unsuccessful.
What Are the Benefits of a Dental Bridge?
- Improved appearance
- Increased confidence
- Greater ability to chew, speak, and eat
- The nearby teeth will not shift or fall out of alignment
- Your facial structure will not change
- Your bite force will be evenly distributed
How Does the Procedure Work?
The first step is allowing your dentist to examine your mouth in its entirety. By checking your teeth and gums for any signs of decay or disease, this will tell them whether you are a good candidate for a dental bridge. If given the green light, Dr. Gray will “prep” your natural teeth by filing them down and making sure the dental crowns have enough room to comfortably sit on top of the teeth. He will then take impressions of your teeth and send them off to a dental lab. There, technicians will use the impressions as a guide to create your custom dental bridge.
Once your restoration is finished, you will return to have it cemented into place. Your bridge will have multiple dental crowns fused together. The two on the outside will fit over your natural teeth while the others will sit on top of your gums to give you the look of a fully restored smile.