Dental Bridges – Carlisle, PA

If you’ve lost one or more teeth, you know just how difficult it can be to complete daily tasks, like eating, speaking, or smiling with confidence. Fortunately, there are options available to eliminate gaps in your smile. At Flenniken Family Dentistry, we offer customized dental bridges to restore the appearance and function of your smile. To find out if a dental bridge in Carlisle is right for you, schedule a consultation with us. We’re eager to help you restore your smile.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a type of restoration that is used to replace consecutive missing teeth – anywhere between one and four missing teeth in a row. The bridge is composed of two crowns and a number of replacement teeth called “pontics.” The crowns will be anchored onto your adjacent teeth or dental implants depending on the type of bridge that you end up getting. This restoration can be made from a variety of different durable, natural-looking materials.

Types of Dental Bridges

The style of bridge that you get will depend on the location and the number of missing teeth you have. Here are two different types:

Traditional Bridge

For patients who still have healthy teeth on either side of the gap that needs to be filled in, a traditional bridge is often the ideal option. The teeth that support the dental crowns are known as “abutment teeth,” and they need to be altered slightly for the bridge to fit properly. This type of restoration can be placed in just a few visits and is typically the most affordable type of bridge.

Implant Bridge

If you don’t have healthy adjacent teeth, surgically implanted metal posts, known as dental implants, can provide an alternative. Dental implants can be used when there are three or more missing teeth in a row. Implant bridges last longer than traditional bridges on average, and they help to prevent bone loss.

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a relatively simple, yet cost-effective option for replacing missing teeth. Bridges are able to fill in gaps, and they also prevent the repositioning of the remaining teeth. They also improve chewing function, improve speech articulation, and provide structure to the face to provide a more youthful appearance.