Dental Bridge Houston, TX

Complete Your Smile with a Dental Bridge

Dental Bridges Houston, TX

Having one or more missing teeth not only makes your smile less attractive, it also impacts the functionality of your bite. A dental bridge is a prosthetic device that fills in (or “bridges”) the space left from missing teeth with realistic looking tooth replacements. Dr. John Krell recommends them as a practical and affordable solution for patients who want to restore a beautiful, healthy smile.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Restoring a full, functional row of teeth is important for multiple reasons. For starters, it’s necessary to maintain a quality bite. When you have a missing tooth, you will most likely alter the way you chew to avoid this gap. In the long term, this can permanently change your biting motion and cause significant jaw pain.

Wearing a dental bridge can also improve your speech. People commonly have speech impediments or slur their words when they have missing teeth, but these problems typically fade after a dental bridge is attached.

Bridges are also great for maintaining proper teeth alignment. Anytime there is a hole in your smile, your other teeth start to drift into the empty space. Fortunately, a dental bridge can keep your other teeth in perfect alignment.

Of course, a dental bridge can also improve the attractiveness of your smile. Prosthetic teeth that are part of a bridge are created to look exactly like your other teeth (in terms of shade, size, and shape) so your smile appears seamless.

Types of Dental Bridges

Dr. Krell offers four types of dental bridges, which allows him to choose the ideal bridge for your unique dental needs.

Fixed (Traditional) Bridge

The most utilized bridge is the fixed bridge. Here, Dr. Krell attaches a dental crown to each natural tooth adjacent to the missing tooth. These crowns anchor the prosthetic tooth (or multiple teeth if necessary) to close the gap.

Cantilever Bridge

The cantilever bridge is like a fixed bridge, except that it uses just one crown to attach to your natural teeth. While this option is slightly less secure given that it only has one anchor, it is a great option when there are no other teeth for the bridge to connect to.   

Maryland Bridge

Instead of dental crowns, a Maryland bridge uses a framework behind your natural teeth to hold an artificial tooth in place. There must be natural teeth on both sides of your missing tooth/teeth for this type of bridge to work correctly.

Implant-Supported Bridge

This bridge uses dental implants to hold prosthetic teeth in the middle in place. It is a great option if you have several missing teeth in a row but do not wish to pay for dental implants to replace each tooth.

Dental Bridge Procedure Details

Dental Bridges Houston, TX

The process and number of appointments necessary for a dental bridge depends on the type of bridge you and Dr. Krell agree is ideal for your mouth and budget. Because Dr. Krell has state-of-the-art CEREC technology, it is possible for him to create a dental bridge in his office on the same day instead of sending the information off to a laboratory for a couple of weeks. Whether your dental bridge involves dental crowns, dental implants, or a porcelain framework, Dr. Krell will give you a thorough breakdown of what you can expect and make sure you are comfortable throughout the procedure.

What to Expect During Recovery

After receiving your dental bridge, you will begin your recovery phase, which requires you to follow the aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Krell. This may include information on avoiding certain activities, how to spot signs of complications, and tips for oral hygiene as your mouth heals. You will still need to floss and brush to remove food debris, minimize plaque buildup, and avoid cavities. Additionally, you may need to avoid certain foods, such as hard, crunchy, or sticky foods until you are healed.

The length of your recovery depends on several things, including the type of dental bridge you received. For example, an implant-supported bridge requires the implant to fully fuse to the bone in the jaw, which can take a few months, before subsequent steps can take place.

How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?

Dental bridge patients can enjoy their smiles for 10 years or longer, making this restorative service a lasting solution. Proper maintenance and oral hygiene are required to protect your teeth. This includes attending your scheduled dental appointments and maintaining your oral health at home. Patients should also consider using products with fluoride, such as toothpaste and mouth rises. This will help strengthen the remaining natural teeth and prevent further dental complications.

Risks

There are some risks associated with dental bridges, many of which stem from poor oral hygiene after receiving your bridge. If you are unable to thoroughly clean the bridge and your gums, you can develop gum disease and cavities. In addition, tooth decay can weaken the bridge, leading to other dental issues.

Dental Bridge vs Dental Implant

Patients suffering from tooth loss may be considering several tooth replacement options, including dental bridges and dental implants. Both treatments can restore the function and appearance of missing teeth, which boosts overall oral health, but the two approach this goal differently. Dental implants last longer than other tooth replacement options and are accompanied by a number of other benefits. However, they are not ideal for individuals whose jaws are not yet fully developed, or those who have significant jawbone loss. Additionally, patients with certain health conditions may not be eligible for dental implants.

On the other hand, dental bridges can replace a single tooth or a row of teeth. They also boast impressive longevity, and there are several different bridge options available to accommodate a variety of needs and preferences.

Each patient is unique, and Dr. Krell will work with you to determine which option would better suit your specific tooth replacement needs.

Contact Dr. Krell

To learn more about dental bridges and other tooth replacement options available to you, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Krell at his Houston office. Call (713) 877-1775 today.