We offer two types of dental bridges in Fairfax: traditional and implant-supported bridges. During your consultation, your dentist will recommend which type would be best for your needs.
Dental bridges in Fairfax
Restore Your Smile and Close Gaps
Missing teeth make it hard to chew and speak and can impact your overall confidence. Dental bridges can fix this!
Dental bridges are designed to replace missing teeth. They “bridge” the gap in your smile with false teeth. Whether you’re just missing one tooth or several, a dental bridge is custom-made to fit your mouth and restore your smile with completely natural-looking results.
Reach out to Oakton Family Dentistry to learn more about getting dental bridges in Fairfax.
Traditional Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is an appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth in a sequence.
The device is composed of three or more dental crowns that have been fused together to “bridge” the gap from one of your natural teeth to the other.
We place a dental bridge by aligning the two crowns on either side of the bridge with the two abutments on the outside of the gap. In order to secure the device in place, your natural teeth on either side of the gap must be contoured and reshaped, so the bridge will fit on top. The bridge will be secured and cemented to the abutment for security and stabilization.
Implant-Supported Bridges
An implant-supported bridge is another one of our options utilized to span the gap of multiple missing teeth in a sequence.
This is similar to a traditional bridge; the only difference here is that the bridge appliance is supported by dental implants rather than your natural teeth!
During your appointment to receive an implant-supported dental bridge in Fairfax, we will begin by placing an implant on either side of your tooth gap. Once these two implants are placed and healed, they will have abutments connected. Abutments give the bridge a secure foundation for attachment. We will create a custom-made bridge that blends with the rest of your smile and fits comfortably within the gap!
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Restore Function
Dental bridges make it easier to chew and speak.
Natural-Looking
A bridge will look and feel like natural teeth and help maintain your jaw’s natural shape.
Protect Oral Health
Missing teeth can lead to jawbone loss and your other teeth shifting. A dental bridge prevents these detrimental changes.
What to Expect
There are several steps involved in the process of creating a dental bridge.
The first step is making an appointment with your dentist. We’ll take X-rays and talk to you about the dental bridge process. Often there are multiple visits required.
After we’ve created the custom bridge piece, it’s cemented in place or installed on the implant base. For a traditional bridge, the ends of the bridge will go over your prepared teeth, using your natural tooth roots to anchor the appliance in place. For implant bridges, the installation is just a little different but overall its a similar process!
It may take about 2 weeks for your mouth to adjust to the bridge; after that, it will feel just like your natural teeth. We’ll provide recommended aftercare instructions for maintaining your bridge device.
When well cared for, this appliance may last up to 7 years before requiring replacement.
Get Started
Restore Your Smile Today
Contact us to learn more about dental bridges in Fairfax.
Frequently Asked Questions
While there may be some minor discomfort after the bridge is placed, this pain is temporary and usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. After the initial healing period, the bridge will feel like your natural teeth.
Dental bridges require the same care as your natural teeth. You should avoid hard or sticky foods for the first couple of weeks after getting your bridge.
After your bridge is permanently cemented, it takes about 2 weeks for your mouth to adjust.
With proper care, you can expect your dental bridge to last about 7 years before needing a replacement.
It is hard to determine costs when each patients situation can be so different.
It is impossible to know what procedures your doctor will need to do and what your insurance coverage will be until your treatment is diagnosed by our doctors. Once diagnosed, the doctor will provide a list of services they will need to do for you to have a successful restoration. THEN the front desk can speak to your insurance for this specific coverage information to provide the best estimate!
So, once you discuss options with your doctor, our wonderful front desk team will provide an estimate based on your needs and specific insurance coverage!