Dental Bridge

Most adults start out with 32 “permanent” teeth. However, teeth are not truly permanent. They can be lost to trauma, infection, gum disease, or extraction. For hundreds of years, dentistry has been solving this problem with dental bridges. Today, Dr. James Hughes and Dr. Justin Cress create customized bridges made of high-quality materials, to restore smiles in Hailey, Kimberly, Jerome, Buhl, and Twin Falls.

What is a permanent dental bridge?

Outside the mouth, a tooth bridge looks like span of three or more teeth. At least one, in the center of the unit, is an artificial tooth. At each end is a crown that fits over existing teeth (or dental implants) on either side of a gap in your smile. It is referred to as a permanent or fixed bridge because the prosthetic is cemented in place for chewing stability. It can only be removed by a dentist.

The bridge may be made of metal and porcelain, or all ceramic with tooth and gum structures color-matched to your own dentition.

When Twin Falls dentists recommend dental bridges

It is always a good idea to have a lost tooth replaced. A gap resulting from even one missing tooth can:

• Cause a speech impediment.
• Affect ability to chew and digest food properly.
• Allow other teeth to shift out of position.
• Increase risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Trigger bite problems, TMJ disorders, and headaches.
• Spoil the look of your beautiful smile!

A dental bridge can replace a single missing tooth or several in a row. It restores the appearance of your smile, as well as functionality of the mouth. Dental bridges are an option for patients who are not good candidates for or simply do not want dental implants.

With good oral hygiene and regular checkups at James P. Hughes, DDS & Justin C. Cress, DDS, a dental bridge can last many years. However, potential dental bridge problems include breaking a ceramic unit by biting into a hard food or other object or taking a blow to the face (such as a sports injury). Fit may also change over time if bone diminishes. Dr. Cress and Dr. Hughes provide dental bridge repair and adjustment, which can often be accomplished on-site.Are dental bridges the right choice to complete your smile? Call (208) 544-4848 for a consultation in Twin Falls to discuss your options.