Dental Bridges in Wayne, NJ

As we get older, we tend to smile and laugh less. Research shows that the average adult laughs only 15 times per day, whereas the average child laughs approximately 400 times per day. While some adults have learned to be stoic, others are enduring stressful environments or are embarrassed about their smiles. But if smiling is linked to a greater sense of happiness and well-being, what does that mean for the many adults who are hesitant to smile? Tooth loss affects our lives in more ways than one: in addition to an inability to eat and speak normally, tooth loss can make us think twice before laughing and smiling. Fortunately, dental bridges can replace gaps in your smile, improving both your oral function and quality of life.

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic solution designed to fill the gaps left by missing teeth. A traditional bridge consists of an artificial tooth or a series of teeth anchored by crowns on both ends. These crowns are affixed to your natural teeth adjacent to the empty space, effectively “bridging” the gap.

This restoration option suits individuals with one or more consecutively missing teeth. However, the neighboring teeth must be in good condition and free from problems like cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues. If these problems exist, we will work to resolve them before we place the bridge.

Why Bridges Are Important

Dental bridges play a crucial role in restoring oral health and improving overall well-being following tooth loss. They offer a range of physical, functional, and emotional benefits:

Maintaining proper tooth positioning: When a tooth is lost, adjacent teeth may shift or tilt toward the gap. This can lead to misalignment and further dental problems. Dental bridges halt this shifting by filling the gap, keeping neighboring teeth in their proper positions to maintain a well-aligned bite.
Enhancing chewing ability: Missing teeth can make chewing difficult and less efficient. Bridges restore your ability to bite and chew comfortably. This helps ensure that you can enjoy a balanced diet with a variety of nutritious foods, which is vital for overall health.
Improving speech: Gaps from missing teeth can affect speech, causing pronunciation difficulties. Bridges control airflow by closing spaces in your mouth, allowing you to speak more clearly. As a result, you can expect a boost in your self-confidence when speaking.
Boosting self-esteem: Aesthetically, dental bridges provide a natural and complete smile. Restoring your smile’s appearance can significantly improve your self-esteem. Many people find that a full set of teeth enhances their overall quality of life and self-confidence.
Maintaining oral health: Dental bridges do more than replace missing teeth; they also help you maintain good oral hygiene. They eliminate gaps where bacteria can accumulate and make it easier to clean your teeth. Proper oral care helps prevent issues like gum disease and further tooth loss.

Dental bridges not only fill gaps but also help to maintain your oral health and improve your overall well-being.

Types of Dental Bridges

We can use different types of bridges to fill the gap in your smile. The type we will use depends on various factors, including the location of the gap, the health of surrounding teeth, and your preferences. We will help you determine the most suitable type of bridge for your specific case.

Traditional Bridge

A traditional bridge, or tooth-supported bridge, is the most common type. It consists of one or more artificial teeth set between dental crowns. These crowns are cemented over the remaining teeth on each side of the gap. Due to this design, a traditional bridge is only suitable when there are healthy and strong teeth on both sides of the gap.

Unlike partial dentures, which also fill in the gaps in your smile, a traditional bridge is not removable. As a result, it can provide enhanced stability.

Cantilever Bridge

On roadways, a cantilever bridge is one that draws support from one end. In dentistry, a cantilever bridge is connected to just one tooth. We use this type when there is one healthy natural tooth adjacent to the gap. In this case, the artificial tooth is anchored to a single dental crown. These bridges are less common but are still effective when appropriate.

Maryland Bridge

This type of bridge is the most conservative option as it does not require enamel removal. Instead, it uses porcelain or metal wings cemented to the backs of the adjacent teeth. This framework is less damaging to the supporting teeth than crowns but is less durable. Maryland bonded bridges are especially useful when the adjacent teeth are healthy, and the gap is at the front of the mouth.

Implant Bridge

While traditional bridges can last a long time, they are no match for implant bridges. Implant-supported bridges are a highly stable and durable option. Instead of using natural teeth for support, they rely on dental implants placed in the jawbone. These implants serve as anchors for the bridge, making them a popular choice when there are multiple missing teeth in a row. When multiple teeth are missing, a traditional bridge can put too much pressure on the healthy teeth, compromising their health. Dental implants offer strong support without altering or jeopardizing the strength of adjacent healthy teeth.

Because the implants are so strong and durable, they can last a lifetime. In addition to replacing multiple teeth, roundhouse bridges can even replace all your teeth, providing a more stable and secure alternative to dentures.

By anchoring in the jawbone, implants help to support your bone health, providing the stimulation the jaw needs to stay strong. If you need to replace missing teeth, an implant-supported bridge is a superior option.

The Mini Dental Implant Advantage

Dr. Fine has been using dental implants to replace teeth since 1989. However, as implant technology has advanced, so has his attitude about standard dental implants. While they have allowed thousands of patients to regain their mouth function, Dr. Fine now uses a more modern alternative: mini dental implants.

Small size, single-piece design: Mini implants are half the size of standard implants, making them ideal for patients with narrow or weakened jawbones. They also boast a streamlined design. While a traditional implant is made of a screw and a separate abutment (connector) piece, mini implants have a ball-shaped head that acts as an attachment point for dental appliances.
Minimally invasive placement: Because mini implants are about the width of a toothpick, we need to drill only a small hole into the jawbone. We then gently screw the mini implant into position. The process is much more comfortable than the surgical implantation required for standard implants.
Same-day results: Large conventional implants must fully integrate with the jawbone before a bridge can be safely attached. This process takes about three months. In contrast, mini implants are immediately stable, meaning we can secure your bridge right after placing the implants. These immediately
Minimal discomfort, quick recovery: Thanks to the efficient, minimally invasive procedure, patients who opt for a mini implant-supported bridge can expect a quick recovery with little to no downtime.
Cost-effective solution: Mini implants aren’t just half the size of standard implants—they’re also half the cost. They can also last a lifetime, making your implant bridge an investment in an enduring smile.

As an experienced implant dentist, Dr. Fine often recommends implant-supported bridges to his patients seeking tooth-replacement solutions. With innovative mini implants, that also means instant and functional results.

Dental Bridges Fill the Gap in Your Smile

Dental bridges are a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth, providing numerous benefits such as preventing neighboring teeth from shifting, improving chewing function, enhancing speech clarity, boosting self-confidence, and maintaining oral health. Among the different types of bridges, the mini implant-supported bridge is considered the superior choice due to its stability and durability.

At Fine Dental Care, a Mini Dental Implant Center of America, Dr. Fine and his team prioritize patient comfort and results, aiming to provide the best possible dental care while preventing future problems. Their expertise, commitment to delivering an excellent experience, and dedication to ensuring patients love their smiles make Fine Dental Care a top choice for implant bridges. Contact us today to book a free implant consultation.