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Dental Bridges

Dental Bridges For Missing Teeth | General & Restorative Dentist Near Me In Waterville, Maine

Dental bridges are one of the most far-reaching and effective steps for patients working to reclaim their smile. That’s because dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth at once. It’s effective both as far as your dental health AND cost.

First, the bridge is readied and is placed between anchor teeth also known as abutment teeth. These natural teeth, or implants, hold the dental bridge in place. Various materials can be used in the making of a dental bridge, including gold, alloys, and porcelain.

 

 

Dental Bridges

Are Dental Bridges For You?

Consider The Benefits:​

  • Big step toward Total Smile Makeover.
  • Creates a stronger, more natural bite.
  • Improve speech and slurring of words.
  • Chew like you used to chew, no more “selective chewing.”
  • Helps to maintain facial structure.
  • Keeps teeth in position and working effectively.

Dental Bridges: Options?

First up, traditional bridges involve constructing a highly customized crown or dental implant on both sides of a missing tooth. The pontic, or bridge, goes between. These traditional dental bridges are often made with porcelain, then fused to metal or ceramics.

 

Here at Waterville Family Dentistry, we take time to examine and consult with our patients when deciding the best course of treatment for each individual. Other types include cantilever bridges and Maryland bonded bridges, both can be effective in certain situations, but are much less common.

Some Helpful
FYI’s:

  1. With good oral health practices and regular check-ups at Waterville Family Dentistry, it’s common for dental bridges to last around 10 years with the full range being 5-15 years in most cases.
  2. After the bridge is in place, it’s important to chew carefully and eat soft foods–just until you get used to it.
  3. Just like chewing, speech may be slightly and temporarily affected by a dental bridge, but overall it should improve.
  4. In addition to brushing, flossing, and preventative maintenance, don’t forget a balanced, nutritious diet also matters when it comes to total oral health.

Start To Finish: The Dental Bridges Process

Visit 1: Anchor Teeth Prepared ​

When a patient begins the process of replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge, first the anchor teeth on both sides are prepared. These teeth are recontoured and just enough enamel removed to make space for the crown.

Visit 2:
Impressions Of Teeth Made, Temporary Bridge Installed

Then, we create impressions of the teeth in order to build the bridge, pontic (replacement teeth), and crowns. Your local Waterville dentist will make a temporary bridge while the permanent one is being carefully engineered to fit your mouth and make your smile the best it can be.

Visit 3:
Permanent Dental Bridge Fixed In Place

At the next visit, the temporary bridge is replaced with the new porcelain one. Then, the dentist will carefully install and adjust it until the fit is perfect. Once the bridge is fixed into place, it will provide stability and greatly contribute to overall oral health.

What Our Patients Are Saying About Their Experience.

A Verified 5 Star Rating on Google

5/5
Under new leadership and great improvements. Dr Choe is great, quick, and does a great job explaining things.​
Jared B.
5/5
Dr. Choe and the rest of his team are friendly and knowledgeable. The service has been fantastic at all of my visits. I would highly recommend booking an appointment!
Katherine L.
5/5
I was very impressed with everyone at the office. They were so sweet and very welcoming! It’s always nice to go to a dentist where they care about your well being. I highly recommend Waterville Family Dentistry!
Salem H.
5/5
Dr.Choe was amazing! 10/10 would recommend! This office gives you many options in order for you to get your prime dental care, without making you feel pressured into anything. Dr. Choe goes makes sure you understand your own treatment plan, and treats you with genuine kindness. I felt at home here and would highly recommend! I will be coming back for further treatment & cleanings! Staff was kind as well, and collaborated to make my experience as smooth as possible.
Kelsey T.
5/5
I am 53, and I have experienced many dentists in my lifetime. I have hated all of my experiences, so this review is a BIG DEAL because I had to go to Dr. Choe to get 3 fillings done, and he fixed the problem very expediently and with empathy to my nervousness, and I left feeling extremely happy with his results! Dr. Choe is the best dentist I have ever had to see, and I am forlorn that it took so long in my life to actually have a pleasant experience.
Paul B.

Your first visit won’t be your last.

We look forward to having you join our family here at Waterville Family Dentistry!