Dental Bridges – Tulsa

Fill the Gap in Your Smile!

When you are missing just one tooth, it can have a significant impact on the quality of your life. Having gaps in your smile can make it challenging to complete a variety of daily tasks that you once found simple – like chewing your food, speaking clearly, and smiling with confidence. At O’Brien Dental Wellness Center, we offer dental bridges to help you show off a complete smile again. To learn more about dental bridges or to schedule a consultation, give us a call.

Why Choose O’Brien Dental Wellness Center?

  • Made From Life-Like Materials
  • State-on-the-Art Dental Technology
  • We Welcome Dental Insurance

What Is a Dental Bridge?

Woman holding a dental bridge

Dental crowns are made to preserve damage teeth. Dental bridges work in a similar manner, but they are made to replace one or multiple consecutive missing teeth. The restoration is comprised of two crowns located on either side of the replacement teeth. The dental crowns act as anchors that are placed on the two teeth on either side of the gap in your smile to secure the restoration. Just like dental crowns, dental bridges are made from natural-looking materials that blend in with the rest of your smile.

Types of Dental Bridges

Digital illustration of a dental bridge

There are two main types of dental bridges made to meet a variety of needs. Here is how they work.

Traditional Dental Bridge

If you have healthy teeth on either side of the gap that needs to be filled in, a traditional dental bridge is often the ideal solution. The teeth that support the dental crown are called abutment teeth, and they are altered slightly so the bridge fits perfectly in your mouth. This type of restoration can be placed in just two visits to the dental office and is the more affordable option of the two.

Implant Bridge

If you don’t have healthy adjacent teeth, surgically planted metal posts called “dental implants” can be used when there are three or more missing teeth in a row. Implant bridges tend to last longer than traditional bridges on average, and they help to prevent bone loss over time.

The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge

Woman talking on the phone

Here are some of the benefits that you can enjoy when you get your dental bridge.

  • Prevents surrounding teeth from shifting around
  • Improves overall confidence and self-esteem
  • Allows for thorough chewing
  • Improves speech articulation
  • Lowers risk of oral health issues
  • Cost-effective tooth replacement option

Dental Bridges FAQs

Are Dental Bridges Removable?

Many patients mistakenly assume that dental bridges function similarly to traditional dentures, which are intended to be removed and reinserted every night and day. But bridges typically are not intended to be removed once they’re cemented in place, except by a qualified professional, such as Dr. O’Brien.

If you notice that your prosthetics feel loose or unstable in your mouth, please contact our Tulsa office to schedule an appointment. It could be failing and requires attention sooner rather than later to avoid worsening damage.

What are Dental Bridges Made From?

Historically, dental restorations were often made from amalgam metal materials known for their strength and ability to withstand daily biting and chewing, but that’s not usually the case today. Most utilize resilient, tooth-colored ceramic instead, such as EMAX or Zirconia, or other materials also used to make dental crowns. These options can be customized to match the size, tone, and shape of your natural enamel for beautiful results you can feel proud of.

Not only that, but the durable porcelain is less porous than your natural teeth and therefore is more resistant to chips, cracks, and stains, which can help preserve your smile.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

The durable ceramic used to make dental bridges reflects light like enamel and can be made to look realistic, but some patients worry they’re sacrificing appearance for longevity when opting for a metal-free restoration.

However, that’s not usually the case! Contemporary dental bridges made from resilient EMAX or Zirconia can last anywhere from 5 to 15+ years, as long as they’re cared for correctly, which is often as long as their metallic counterparts. You can usually help preserve your restoration by brushing and flossing twice daily, avoiding overly hard, crunchy, sticky, or darkly toned foods, and visiting our Tulsa office every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning.

How Many Teeth Can A Dental Bridge Replace?

Dental bridges are a versatile way to rebuild your smile. They contain the necessary number of pontics (artificial teeth) positioned between dental crowns on each side. The latter are cemented over either healthy abutment teeth or specially placed dental implants to anchor your prosthetics in place.

This can be used to rebuild anywhere from one to four consecutive missing teeth. With that said, the longer the restoration extends, the more likely it is to become destabilized in your mouth, which can potentially affect its longevity. As a result, this treatment is often recommended to replace one or two teeth.