Say Goodbye to Gaps in Your Smile with Dental Bridges
At the Foleck Center in Virginia Beach, our team of trusted dentists knows that having gaps in your teeth can hinder your confidence, make it hard to eat or speak, and cause alignment issues down the line.
We offer dental bridges, made at our in-house lab for faster and higher quality results, to help complete the functionality, look, and feel of your smile. Dr. Foleck and his team are also equipped and skilled to provide implant supported bridges, an advanced option that offers more stability and longevity than traditional bridges.
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are prosthetic devices that consist of pontics (artificial teeth) anchored between two dental crowns or implants. They fill gaps left by missing teeth, preventing adjacent teeth from shifting, restoring the appearance, and returning functionality so that you can eat and speak normally.
Types of Dental Bridges Offered At The Foleck Center
There are a primary types of dental bridges – traditional, cantilever, and Maryland bridges. Additionally, these options can be made more permanent when supported through dental implants. When you meet with your Virginia Beach dentist and dental bridge expert, you’ll get the chance to discuss which option works best for your needs and preferences.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever dental bridges are used when there is only one adjacent tooth to support the structure, making them suitable for areas with less biting force.
Maryland Bridges
Maryland bridges, also called resin bonded bridges, rely on metal wings or porcelain frameworks bonded to surrounding teeth, making them ideal for front teeth.
Implant Support Bridges
Implants offer durability and are long lasting. They are ideal for those with multiple teeth missing in a row or for those looking for a more permanent fix. These options use one or more titanium posts placed in the jaw to support a fixed bridge or an implant bridge, which can be especially helpful when many factors make traditional bridges less suitable.
Materials Used in Dental Bridge Fabrication
At our Virginia Beach office, we create dental bridges that combine strength, comfort, and a natural appearance. Each bridge is carefully crafted from high-quality materials to restore both function and beauty to your smile. Many patients choose porcelain fused to metal or all-ceramic bridges because they provide a seamless match to surrounding teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from your natural smile.
Depending on where your bridge will be placed, our team may recommend stronger materials for back teeth to handle chewing forces, while front teeth can be designed with a greater focus on aesthetics.
Process to Getting Dental Bridges in Virginia Beach
1. Initial Consultation
A dentist will conduct a detailed examination of your oral health, X-rays, impressions, and discussions about your dental history and preferences.
2. Treatment Planning
If you are a suitable candidate for a dental bridge, a customized treatment plan will be crafted that takes into account the number of missing teeth, the condition of adjacent teeth, and the type of bridge that best fits your needs.
3. Preparation of Adjacent Teeth
For a traditional dental bridge, the teeth adjacent to the gap are reshaped to accommodate dental crowns that will become the anchors for the dental bridge. If dental implants are being used, the implants will be surgically placed in the jawbone to serve as the foundation for the bridge.
4. Impression Taking
We’ll take precise impressions of your teeth to create a custom-fit bridge that matches the natural color, size, and shape of your existing teeth. The impression is sent to our exclusive in-house dental lab where a skilled technician will fabricate your dental bridge using the highest quality materials.
5. Temporary Bridge (if necessary)
While the permanent bridge is being created, we may place a temporary bridge to protect the exposed adjacent teeth and gums. This temporary solution helps maintain functionality and aesthetics until the final bridge is ready for placement.
6. Bridge Placement
When you custom bridge is ready, you’ll return to our Virginia Beach dental office where we’ll carefully check the bridge for fit, functionality, and aesthetics. Some adjustments are made to ensure proper alignment and comfort. Once you and the dentist are happy with the fit, the bridge is permanently secured in place using dental cement or other appropriate means.
7. Post-Placement Care and Instructions
Aftercare typically includes maintaining excellent oral hygiene through regular brushing, flossing, and attending scheduled check-ups. Regular follow-ups with our dental professionals at The Foleck Center in Virginia Beach are recommended to monitor the bridge’s condition and ensure its long-term success.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Bridges?
Ideal candidates for dental bridges typically have good overall oral health, adequate bone density, and teeth adjacent to any gaps that are strong and in good condition. Dental bridges are not always the best treatment option to address missing teeth. You can explore our other restorative dentistry options in Virginia Beach here.
Complete Your Smile with a Custom Dental Bridge
Restore your smile and confidence with custom dental bridges in Virginia Beach from The Foleck Center. Our team combines advanced technology, high-quality materials, and personalized care to ensure your bridge looks natural and feels comfortable. Whether you’re replacing one tooth or several, we’ll help you achieve a healthier, more complete smile.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a stronger, more beautiful smile with dental bridges at The Foleck Center in Virginia Beach.
