Dental Bridges – Virginia Beach

Missing a single tooth is enough to make a huge difference in your quality of life. Having a gap in your smile can make it challenging to complete tasks you once found easy, like chewing your food, speaking clearly, and smiling without feeling self-conscious. At Esparza Family Dentistry, we offer dental bridges to fill the gap in your smile. To learn more about dental bridges or to schedule a consultation, give us a call!

What Is a Dental Bridge?

While dental crowns are made to preserve a damaged natural tooth, a dental bridge in Virginia Beach is made to replace consecutive missing teeth. The restoration is made of two crowns located on either side of the replacement teeth. The dental crowns act as anchors that are placed on the two teeth on either side of the gap in your smile to secure the restoration. Just like dental crowns, bridges are custom-made from natural-looking materials such as ceramic and porcelain that blend in with your smile.

Types of Dental Bridges

Traditional Dental Bridge

If you have healthy teeth on either side of the gap that needs to be filled in, a traditional dental bridge is often the ideal solution. The teeth that support the dental crown are called “abutment teeth,” and they are altered slightly so the bridge fits comfortably in the mouth. This type of restoration can be placed in just two visits to the dental office and is the more affordable option out of the two.

Implant Bridge

If you don’t have healthy adjacent teeth, surgically implanted metal posts called “dental implants” make a great alternative. Dental implants can be used where there are three or more missing teeth in a row. Implant bridges tend to last longer than traditional bridges on average, and they help to prevent bone loss over time.

The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge

Here are some of the benefits that you can enjoy when you get your dental bridge.

• Prevents surrounding teeth from shifting around
• Improves overall confidence and self-esteem
• Allows for thorough chewing
• Improves speech articulation
• Lowers risk of oral health issues
• Cost-effective tooth replacement option