Getting a dental bridge typically requires at least two in-office visits. First, the team takes detailed digital scans or impressions of your teeth. They then use these renderings to create your custom-made bridge.

Your dentist may use special dental instruments to reduce the size of surrounding teeth to make sufficient room for your new bridge.

Once your bridge is ready, you come back for a follow-up visit to have your bridge placed. If you’ve already undergone oral surgery for dental implants, your bridge is securely attached to your implant. If not, most cases involve bonding your bridge to surrounding teeth.

The neighboring teeth on either side of a gap can act as anchors that hold your bridge secure, where the Loveland dentists use special dental adhesive to keep your bridge firmly in place. Each set is custom-made to fit snugly inside your mouth.

If you’re missing teeth, your remaining teeth tend to shift over into the empty spaces, which can lead to decay and gum disease. With dental bridges, you’re able to fill gaps in your smile and prevent harmful tooth shifting.

Also, missing teeth can lead to your jawbone, which typically supports an entire set of top or bottom teeth, eroding. This can cause an unattractive loss of facial volume. Bridges can reverse the effects of bone loss, restore lost facial volume, and improve your appearance immensely.

On average, dental bridges should last you anywhere from 5-15 years, if not longer. Bridges supported by implants may enjoy a longer lifetime. The key to maintaining your bridges is treating them like natural teeth. Brush and floss and don’t forget to maintain your regular visits.

Your regular cleanings and checkups help allow the team to monitor wear and tear to your bridge. From time to time, your bridge may need minor adjustments.