Dental Bridges in Vancouver, WA

Dental Bridges Near You

If you are missing teeth in your mouth, you may be uncertain which type of dental restoration is best for you. Dentures, dental implants, and dental bridges can all restore missing teeth.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth or pontic that replaces the gap left by a lost tooth. Most bridges are manufactured with porcelain to match the color of your natural teeth.

Bridges enhance the aesthetics of your smile and restores bite function. This allows you to talk more clearly and chew meals more easily. Visit us at Thurston Oaks Dental for more details about dental bridges in Vancouver.

Who is a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?

People with missing teeth are candidates for dental bridges. Tooth loss can occur due to injuries, tooth decay, congenital conditions, or gum disease, and the bridge aids in filling the gaps between the teeth.

To install a dental bridge near you, one must have sturdy teeth on each side of the missing ones.

Signs You Might Need a Dental Bridge

The most obvious sign you may need a dental bridge in Vancouver is having one or more missing teeth in your mouth.

1. If you find it challenging to chew or bite properly due to missing teeth, it may be a sign that you need a dental bridge.
2. Missing teeth can affect your speech, causing changes in the way you pronounce words.
3. When a tooth is missing, neighboring teeth may shift over time, leading to misalignment.
4. Missing teeth can increase the risk of gum problems, such as gum disease or infection.
5. You may experience pain or discomfort in the area where teeth are missing or due to the shifting of adjacent teeth.
6. Gaps left by missing teeth can be challenging to clean, increasing the risk of dental decay and gum disease.
7. Feeling self-conscious or embarrassed about your smile due to missing teeth is a standard indicator that you may benefit from a dental bridge.

Caring for Your Dental Bridges in Vancouver

Dental bridges can last for over 10 years with proper maintenance and care. Technology and material advancements and current application methods will make bridges more robust. Brushing and flossing your teeth daily will help your bridge last longer. Our team will provide cleaning and flossing instructions for your new bridge.

Additionally, modifying your diet can greatly affect the longevity of your dental bridges. For instance, it's advisable to limit sticky candies, nuts, and popcorn, as they can potentially damage the abutment tooth or the bridge itself.

Types of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are categorized into four types: Traditional fixed bridges, Maryland dental bridges, Implant-supported bridges, and Cantilever bridges.

The most common form of dental bridge near you is the traditional fixed bridge manufactured from various materials such as metals, ceramics, and porcelain fused.

Maryland bridges are primarily used to replace the front teeth. Unlike typical bridges with crowns on the abutment tooth, Maryland bridges use porcelain or metal frameworks glued to your teeth.

Cantilever bridges have pontic (s) supported by crowns cemented to one side of the existing tooth.

Instead of using crowns or frameworks, implant-supported bridges use implants. Each lost tooth is replaced with a surgically placed implant, which holds the bridge in place.

For more information on how to properly care for your dental bridge, feel free to visit us or call (360) 514-9212. We’d be happy to schedule a consultation to see if dental bridges are the right solution for your missing teeth.

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