Missing even one tooth can dramatically affect your confidence, your ability to eat comfortably, and your oral health. At Irving Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Charles Langdon and our experienced team have been helping Greensboro patients restore their smiles with beautiful, functional dental bridges for over 50 years.
Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, our custom-crafted dental bridges provide a permanent, natural-looking solution that restores your smile and protects your long-term oral health. With three skilled dentists and a family-focused approach, we ensure your bridge fits perfectly and gives you back the confidence to smile, speak, and eat without worry.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are fixed dental restorations designed to replace one or more missing teeth. They close the gap created by missing teeth with artificial teeth called pontics. These pontics are anchored to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap, creating a seamless, natural-looking smile.
Who Needs Dental Bridges?
You might benefit from a dental bridge if you:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Want to restore your ability to chew and speak properly
- Need to maintain your face shape and prevent remaining teeth from shifting
- Desire a fixed solution (rather than removable dentures)
- Want to improve your smile and confidence
Missing teeth not only affect your appearance but can lead to serious oral health issues over time. When teeth are missing, surrounding teeth may shift, causing bite problems and increasing your risk of gum disease and decay. A dental bridge helps prevent these issues while restoring your beautiful smile.
Types of Dental Bridges
At Irving Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer several types of dental bridges to meet your specific needs:
Traditional Bridges
The most common type of bridge, traditional bridges consist of one or more pontic teeth supported by dental crowns on the natural teeth on either side of the gap. These bridges are strong, durable, and can be made from porcelain, metal alloys, or a combination of materials to match your natural teeth.
Maryland Bridges
Also called resin-bonded bridges, Maryland bridges use metal or porcelain frameworks bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth, requiring less alteration of your natural teeth. These bridges are often used for front teeth where biting pressure is less intense.
Cantilever Bridges
When there is only one natural tooth adjacent to the gap, a cantilever bridge may be used. The pontic is supported by a crown on just one side rather than both sides.
Implant-Supported Bridges
For the most stable and long-lasting solution, implant-supported bridges use dental implants surgically placed in your jawbone to support the bridge. This option preserves more of your natural bone and doesn’t require altering healthy adjacent teeth.
The Dental Bridge Process: What to Expect
At Irving Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, getting a dental bridge typically involves several steps:
- Initial Consultation: We’ll examine your teeth, discuss your options, and help you choose the right type of bridge.
- Preparation: If you’re getting a traditional bridge, we’ll prepare the adjacent teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for crowns.
- Impressions: We’ll take precise impressions of your teeth to create a custom bridge that matches your natural teeth perfectly.
- Temporary Bridge: While your permanent bridge is being made, we may place a temporary bridge to protect your exposed teeth and gums.
- Fitting: Once your custom bridge is ready, we’ll ensure it fits correctly and make any necessary adjustments.
- Permanent Placement: When the fit is perfect, we’ll permanently cement the bridge in place, restoring your smile and function.
The entire process typically takes two to three visits over a few weeks. Our team will ensure you’re comfortable throughout the entire procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read answers to common questions about dental bridges in Greensboro, NC.
How long do dental bridges last?
With proper care, dental bridges typically last 10-15 years, with many of Dr. Langdon’s patients enjoying their bridges for 20 years or longer. Implant-supported bridges can last even longer, often 20-30 years.
The longevity of your bridge depends on several factors:
- Quality of the initial fit
- Your oral hygiene habits
- Regular dental checkups
- Avoiding harmful habits like chewing ice or grinding teeth
- The type of bridge (implant-supported lasts the longest)
During your regular checkups at Irving Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we’ll monitor your bridge to ensure it continues functioning properly and address any issues before they become problems.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
We use local anesthesia during the preparation process to ensure your comfort. After the procedure, you might experience mild sensitivity, which typically resolves within a few days.
How do I care for my dental bridge?
With proper care, your dental bridge can last 10-15 years or longer. Dr. Langdon’s decades of experience have shown that patients who follow these care guidelines enjoy the longest-lasting results:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss daily using floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean under the bridge
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria
- Avoid hard foods (ice, hard candy) that could damage the bridge
- Don’t chew on non-food items (pens, fingernails)
Schedule checkups and cleanings every six months so Dr. Langdon, Dr. Zamora, or Dr. Bullard can monitor your bridge and ensure it continues fitting properly.
Call us if your bridge feels loose or unstable or if you feel pain or sensitivity around the bridge. Our team will provide detailed care instructions when your bridge is placed and is always available to answer questions about maintaining your restoration.
Are dental bridges covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for bridges. Our friendly office staff can help you understand your coverage and discuss payment options.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
Yes, once your permanent bridge is placed, you can eat most foods. However, we recommend avoiding very hard or sticky foods that might damage your bridge.
How do bridges compare to dental implants?
Bridges are typically less expensive and require less treatment time than implants. However, implants generally last longer and help preserve jawbone. During your consultation, we’ll discuss which option is best for your specific situation.
Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation in Greensboro
Don’t let missing teeth affect your confidence or oral health any longer. Contact Irving Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule your dental bridge consultation. Our caring team in Greensboro is ready to help restore your smile with a comfortable, natural-looking dental bridge solution.
Call us at (336) 502-0142 or fill out our online appointment request form. Take the first step toward a complete, beautiful smile. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health and confidence with our expert dental bridge solutions.