Dental Bridges in West Brattleboro, VT

When one or more of your teeth are missing, it's more than just a cosmetic issue — missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift out of place. This can result in more tension when biting, increased pain during chewing, or even the impairment of speech. A dental bridge restores the appearance and health of your mouth by covering spaces with a false tooth supported by either your natural teeth, dental implants, or a combination of both. At Dental Health in Brattleboro, VT, our board-certified Dental Health Team offers dental bridges with top-quality materials that will help to restore your beautiful smile. If you have gaps in your smile, please schedule a consultation at our family dental practice to learn more about your restoration options with dental bridges.

People with missing teeth don't merely have a cosmetic issue — gaps between the teeth can have a powerful impact on your oral health. The fact is: your mouth is carefully balanced and a missing tooth can affect its function. Over time, a missing tooth can lead to teeth shifting, creating bite problems (underbite, overbite, crossbite) 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. The Dental Health team will assess your mouth during your exam and consultation to help you decide 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 and filed down, our Dental Health team will take digital x-rays and impressions of your teeth so 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 bridge is ready, the needed areas of your mouth will be numbed with local anesthesia. Other anesthesia or sedation options may be used if you have any dental anxieties or a strong gag reflex so you will be comfortable during the procedure. The bridge will either be cemented in place or attached to dental implants, depending on the support you and the Dental Health team chose during your consultation. We will carefully adjust the fit of the bridge so it feels right in your mouth and remains in place.

You should notice an improvement in the appearance and function of your teeth. You may need a second visit at Dental Health to adjust the fit of your bridge if it feels uncomfortable in the first few weeks after placement. member of our team will show you how to maintain your bridge, including the best way to clean it and any foods to avoid. It is crucial to keep your bridge and mouth clean since cavities can still develop underneath the restoration. With proper care, your bridge can last for many years. You should continue to schedule appointments at Dental Health for your annual dental exams and bi-annual dental cleanings. During your exams, we will check the health and wear of your bridge to determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Dental restorations like bridges are typically covered, at least in part, by dental insurance. We will work with your insurance company to calculate your coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Dental Health accepts many forms of payment, including medical financing, that can be discussed during your consultation with our team. They will also help you select the best bridge type and material to fit both your needs and budget.

Even if you don't mind how you look with a missing tooth, it can lead to long-term problems if you don't seek treatment. Schedule a consultation with the Dental Health team to learn more about dental bridge restorations and the different options to fit your specific needs. As a family dental practice, we are proud to offer high-quality dental restorations to help improve the oral health and smiles of patients throughout our community. Contact our office in Brattleboro, VT today to schedule your appointment.