Missing a tooth affects much more than just your confidence. It impacts how you chew, how you speak, and how you maintain your overall oral health. A dental bridge offers a reliable, natural-looking solution to fill that gap. At Chaffin Dental Care in Spokane, WA, Dr. Chris Chaffin and Dr. Topher Chaffin help patients regain their full smiles through expert restorative dentistry. Let’s explore how dental bridges work, the options available, and why our team is the right choice for your care.
Why Choose a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge literally “bridges” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Choosing this treatment provides several immediate and long-term advantages:
- Aesthetics: Custom-made materials blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, giving you a complete and confident smile.
- Functionality: Bridges restore your ability to bite and chew your favorite foods comfortably while helping you speak clearly.
- Oral Health: When you lose a tooth, your remaining teeth naturally want to shift into the empty space. A bridge holds them securely in place, preventing bite issues and jaw pain down the road.
Traditional vs. Implant-Supported Bridges
When you visit Chaffin Dental Care, we will help you decide between two main types of bridges based on your specific needs.
Traditional Dental Bridges
A traditional bridge relies on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap (abutment teeth). We place crowns on these adjacent teeth to hold the false tooth (pontic) securely in the middle.
- Pros: This option involves a lower upfront cost and a much faster overall process compared to implants.
- Cons: We must permanently alter the healthy adjacent teeth to fit the crowns. Traditional bridges typically last between 5 and 15 years before needing replacement.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Instead of relying on natural teeth, this bridge uses dental implants placed directly into your jawbone for support.
- Pros: This option boasts incredible longevity, often lasting a lifetime with proper care. It preserves your jawbone health and leaves your adjacent natural teeth completely untouched, making it excellent for an active, worry-free lifestyle.
- Cons: The overall costs are higher, and the process requires minor surgery followed by a few months of healing time before we can attach the final bridge.
The Process: What to Expect
Getting a traditional bridge usually takes just two visits. During your first appointment, we prepare the abutment teeth and take precise impressions of your mouth. We then provide a temporary bridge to protect your teeth while a dental lab crafts your permanent restoration. You will return a few weeks later so we can check the fit, make necessary adjustments, and cement your new, permanent bridge into place.
Caring for Your New Dental Bridge
Maximizing the lifespan of your bridge requires excellent oral hygiene. Treat your bridge just like your natural teeth by brushing twice a day. Use a special floss threader or water flosser to clean underneath the false tooth, keeping your gums healthy and free of plaque.
Exceptional Care at Chaffin Dental Care
Choosing the right dental team matters just as much as choosing the right treatment. Dr. Chris Chaffin and Dr. Topher Chaffin are recognized as two of Spokane’s premier dentists. At Chaffin Dental Care, we prioritize your comfort and tailor every treatment plan to fit your specific lifestyle and budget.
Ready to restore your smile and your confidence? Contact Chaffin Dental Care in Spokane today to schedule your bridge consultation.
Chaffin Dental Care