Dental Bridges in New York, NY

When one or a few of your teeth are missing, it's more than just a problem with appearance — missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift. This can result in extra tension when you bite, increased pain during chewing, or even have trouble speaking. A dental bridge restores the appearance and health of your mouth by covering spaces with a false tooth supported by either dental implants, your natural teeth, or a combination of both. At SmilesNY Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in New York, NY, our experienced dentists offer custom-made bridges with top-quality materials that will help to restore your beautiful smile. If you have missing teeth, please schedule an appointment to learn about your restoration options with a custom bridge.

People with missing teeth don't merely have an appearance issue — gaps between the teeth can have a powerful impact on your oral health. The fact is: your mouth is carefully balanced and a gap can affect its function. In time, a missing tooth can lead to teeth shifting, creating bite problems (underbite, crossbite, overbite) and atrophy of the gums and jawbone. A dental bridge requires the surrounding teeth to be strong enough to support the restoration, including sufficient jawbone density and healthy gums. Your SmilesNY dentist will assess your teeth, gums, and jaw during your exam and consultation to help you select the best bridge type (traditional, cantilever, Maryland bonded, or resin bonded) and material (porcelain, ceramic, metal, and porcelain fused to metal).

After your teeth are prepped, digital x-rays and impressions of your teeth will be taken so that your custom bridge can be created. If needed, a temporary bridge or restoration can be placed while your custom one is being made. Once your restoration is ready, the needed areas of your mouth will be prepped with a numbing agent. Other anesthesia or sedation options may be used if you have anxiety or a strong gag reflex so you will be comfortable during the procedure. The dental bridge will either be cemented in place or attached to dental implants, depending on the support selected during your consultation. The fit of the bridge will be carefully adjusted so it feels right in your mouth and remains in place.

Once your bridge is in place, you should notice an improvement in the function and appearance of your teeth. You may need a second visit at SmilesNY to improve the fit of your bridge if it seems loose or uncomfortable in the first few weeks after placement. Your dentist will show you how to maintain your restoration, including the best way to clean it and if you need to avoid any foods. It is crucial to regularly clean your bridge and mouth since cavities can still develop underneath the restoration. With proper care, your custom bridge can last for many years. You need to continue to attend appointments at SmilesNY for your annual dental exams and bi-annual cleanings. At your dental exam, your dentist will evaluate the wear and health of your custom bridge to determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Restorations like dental bridges are usually covered, partially, by most dental insurance companies. A member of our team will contact your dental insurance to determine how much your insurance will pay. SmilesNY accepts many payment methods, including medical financing, that can be talked about at your consultation. We can also help you select the best type and material for your bridge to fit both your needs and budget.

Even if you don't mind how you look with a gap, it can lead to bigger issues if it isn't fixed. Schedule a consultation to learn more about dental bridges and what options will fit your specific needs. SmilesNY is proud to offer high-quality dental restorations that can help improve the appearance and health of your teeth. Contact our office in New York, NY to schedule your appointment.