Dental Bridges on Manhattan's Upper East Side, NY 

Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat and speak properly, be unattractive, and hurt your overall oral health. Dental bridges are one option for correcting this problem. Here is an overview of what bridges are, how they work, what to expect if you are considering this solution, and why at New York Dental Studio on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in New York City, we are the right choice for you.

What Are Dental Bridges? 

Dental bridges fill gaps left by missing teeth by attaching to the teeth on either side. They consist of an artificial tooth that fills in the empty space and crowns that cover the artificial tooth and the real teeth next to it. Bridges differ from dental implants, another possible solution for a missing tooth, because the full system is above your gumline instead of partially below it. 

What Are the Different Types of Bridges? 

The specific type of tooth bridge that is likely to work best for you largely depends on what your current situation allows them to attach to. Traditional bridges typically only work well when they can attach to teeth on both sides, while other types of bridges may be good options if there is only one adjacent tooth available for them to adhere to. Some of the most common types of dental bridges include: 

• Traditional Bridges

• Cantilever Bridges: Used to attach an artificial tooth to only one natural anchor tooth. 

• Maryland Bridges: Attached to anchor teeth with a combination of metal and resin and often require less of the surface of your tooth to be removed than traditional bridges. 

What Does the Process of Getting Dental Bridges Include? 

Your dentist will review every aspect of getting dental bridges with you before committing to the procedure to ensure they are a good choice for you. The specific details of this process can vary slightly depending on the current condition of your teeth, but you can generally expect it to include the following:

• A consultation with your dentist to determine whether bridges are a good fit for you and help you understand what to expect throughout the process

• Adjusting the surface of your teeth to make it easier for your bridges to attach to

• Taking impressions of your teeth to ensure that your bridges will fit correctly 

• Placing your temporary bridge to protect your filed teeth while your permanent bridge is made

• Fitting your permanent dental bridge 

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last? 

Most bridge tooth replacements last between five and ten years, although they can last longer if taken care of properly. Many patients will eventually need to have their bridges replaced, and the type and quality of your bridges can be important factors in determining how long they last before wearing out. Bridges may weaken over time, eventually become damaged, and must be replaced immediately. Your dentist will also be able to let you know when you may be close to needing to have them replaced by monitoring their condition at your regular visits. 

What Other Restorative Dentistry Options Are Available at New York Dental Studio? 

Dental bridges are just one of many restorative dentistry treatments many people take advantage of at some point in their lives. Some of our other popular options include: 

• Dental crowns that completely cover teeth that are cracked, broken, or have cavities that are too large for traditional fillings to protect them

• Tooth-colored fillings that provide a more subtle appearance than fillings made from silver amalgam, gold, or similar materials

• Dentures that replace multiple teeth to improve your appearance and restore your ability to eat and speak properly