Dental Bridges Specialist

What are dental bridges?

A dental bridge is an oral prosthesis that replaces one (or several) missing teeth. It features an artificial tooth and one/two crowns or a metal framework that holds it in place. Your North Hawaii Dental LLC provider bonds the crown(s) or framework to the healthy tooth/teeth on the sides of the gap in your smile.

Dental bridges blend in with your existing teeth. They make it easier to bite and chew and reduce your risk of more serious oral health problems like gum recession and bone loss.

What are the advantages of a dental bridge?

A dental bridge provides an array of advantages, including:

• A restored smile
• Easier biting and chewing
• Improved speech and pronunciation
• Improved facial shape

A dental bridge also keeps your existing teeth from shifting out of position. When your teeth are correctly aligned, it’s easier to clean and care for them.

What does getting a dental bridge involve?

At North Hawaii Dental LLC, getting a dental bridge takes two appointments.

First appointment

Before recommending a dental bridge, your provider conducts an oral exam, takes digital X-rays, and asks about your treatment goals.

Next, your provider administers a local anesthetic and prepares the teeth to support crowns or a metal framework. To do that, they carefully remove a thin layer of enamel from each tooth.

After preparing your teeth, your provider takes a series of impressions. They send your impressions to a dental laboratory that uses them to design and manufacture a custom dental bridge.

Second appointment

When the dental lab completes your custom bridge, you return to North Hawaii Dental LLC. Your provider administers a local anesthetic, lines up the bridge with your existing teeth, and gently bonds it in place. Your provider then polishes the bridge and provides aftercare instructions.

How long do dental bridges last?

Dental bridges last an average of 12-15 years, but you can extend their lifespan with good oral hygiene. North Hawaii Dental LLC recommends brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting the office every six months for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.

To prevent damage to your bridge, avoid bad habits like opening packaging with your teeth, biting your nails, or chewing on hard objects like ice cubes.

To explore the benefits of dental bridges, make an appointment at North Hawaii Dental LLC by calling the office or using the online booking tool today.