Missing teeth not only impacts your appearance, but it also threatens your long-term oral health. At Warm Family Dentistry, Dr. Scott Cold can fill gaps in your smile with natural-looking dental bridges in Salt Lake City, UT, Taylorsville, Murray, Kearns, West Jordan, and West Valley City areas. Bridges can improve functions affected by missing teeth, like chewing and speaking, and they’re also long-lasting and durable. If you’re missing one or more teeth and want to learn more about temporary dental bridges or permanent dental bridges, call or use the online scheduling tooling and set up a consultation at the salt lake city dentist today.
A dental bridge is a fixed appliance that is an excellent way to replace missing teeth. Bridges are restorations that fill in a gap caused by missing teeth. They prevent the remaining teeth from shifting and provide a more stable surface for chewing. Dental bridges are highly durable and last many years. You may, however, need have them replaced or reapplied due to normal wear and tear.
Dental bridges near you in Salt Lake City, UT do more than just filling gaps in your smile: They also help you maintain your facial shape and restore your speaking ability.
Depending on your condition, Dr. Cold determines what type of bridge is best for you. There are three different types of bridges:
Traditional bridges
These have a crown connected to each side of the artificial tooth.
Cantilever bridges
These are artificial teeth connected to only one crown.
Resin-bonded bridge
These are artificial teeth connected via a metal wing bonded with resin to the back of a tooth next to your gap.
Getting a dental bridge typically requires two or more visits. First, Dr. Cold numbs your teeth. Then, he prepares the anchoring teeth — the ones on either side of the gap — by removing a portion of enamel (the outer layer of your tooth). This allows him to fit a crown.
Next, Dr. Cold takes a highly-accurate impression of your teeth, which he sends to a dental laboratory where they custom-make the bridge for you. After the first visit, you wear a temporary bridge for several weeks until your next appointment.
At the second visit, Dr. Cold carefully checks, adjusts, and cements your permanent bridge to achieve a proper fit. You maintain regular visits with Dr. Cold afterward so he can monitor your progress.
Dental bridges can last 5-7 years, or even longer. With good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings, it’s not unusual for a fixed bridge to last over 10 years. You can even get a dental bridge repair if you find it damaged.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, call or use the online booking tool today and schedule an appointment at Warm Family Dentistry to find out if dental bridges might be right for you.
Our dentist in Salt Lake City, Utah, also serves as a notable dentist serving West Valley City, Murray, and South Salt Lake UT.