Restore Your Smile With Dental Bridges to Replace Missing Teeth
Losing a tooth can be a challenging experience, affecting both the aesthetics and functionality of your smile. At DiBartola Dental, we understand the impact this can have on your confidence and overall oral health. That’s why we offer state-of-the-art dental bridges as an effective solution for replacing missing teeth. 
Only a dentist has the authority to remove a fixed or permanent dental bridge, ensuring the procedure is handled with professional levels of skill. Don’t let your dental health deteriorate — take action to replace your missing tooth or teeth with the care of Bridgeville, PA, restorative dentist, Dr. Wayne DiBartola.
Contact our Allegheny County dental practice today by calling (412) 221-9440. We’ll promptly schedule your consultation, ensuring you’re on the path to restoring your oral health and confident smile.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are custom-designed prosthetic devices used to replace one or more teeth. These innovative dental restorations consist of artificial teeth (pontics) supported by adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. At DiBartola Dental, we craft our bridges using high-quality materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal, ensuring both durability and a natural appearance.
Different Types of Traditional Dental Bridges
Dr. DiBartola offers several types of dental bridges to suit your unique needs:
- Traditional Dental Bridge: The most common type, featuring one or more artificial teeth anchored to adjacent teeth using dental crowns. Traditional dental bridges involve creating crowns for the teeth on either side of a gap, with a false tooth, or pontic, placed in between. They are typically constructed from materials like porcelain fused to metal or ceramics, emphasizing their permanence and typical lifespan of five to 15 years.
- Cantilever Dental Bridge: Ideal when only one adjacent tooth is available to support the artificial tooth.
- Maryland Dental Bridge: A conservative option using a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of supporting teeth, often used for front teeth replacement.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: A premium, long-lasting option where the bridge is supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge can have numerous benefits for your oral health and overall well-being. Some of the benefits include:
- Restoring Your Smile and Confidence: A dental bridge can fill the gap left by missing teeth, giving you a complete and natural-looking smile. This can significantly boost your self-esteem and confidence.
- Improving Your Ability to Chew and Speak Properly: Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew food and speak clearly. A dental bridge restores these functions, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and communicate effectively.
- Preventing Adjacent Teeth from Shifting: When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth may shift into the empty space, leading to misalignment. A dental bridge keeps your remaining teeth in their proper positions.
- Reducing the Risk of Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Gaps from missing teeth can trap food particles and bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. A dental bridge helps maintain a cleaner and healthier mouth.
- Distributing the Forces of Your Bite More Evenly: A dental bridge ensures that the forces of your bite are evenly distributed, reducing the strain on your remaining teeth and preventing potential damage.
- Enhancing Your Overall Facial Appearance: Missing teeth can cause your facial structure to sag, making you look older. A dental bridge supports your facial muscles, helping you maintain a youthful appearance.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
At DiBartola Dental, our dental bridge procedure is refined and patient-focused:
- Preparation: Dr. DiBartola carefully prepares the adjacent teeth (abutments) by reshaping them to support the bridge.
- Custom Fabrication: We create a personalized bridge, consisting of the replacement tooth or teeth (pontics) and crowns for the abutment teeth.
- Precise Placement: The custom bridge is meticulously placed over the prepared teeth and secured with dental cement.
- Final Adjustments: Dr. DiBartola ensures proper fit, function, and aesthetics, making any necessary adjustments.
- Aftercare Instructions: We provide comprehensive care instructions to ensure the longevity of your new bridge.
Caring for a Dental Bridge
To ensure the longevity of your dental bridge, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene and follow a regular cleaning routine. Here are some tips:
- Brush Your Teeth at Least Twice a Day: Use a fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth, including the area around the dental bridge, to remove plaque and prevent decay.
- Floss Once a Day: Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from under the bridge and between your teeth. Consider using a bridge needle or special floss designed for cleaning under artificial teeth.
- Use a Bridge Needle or Special Floss: These tools are specifically designed to clean under the artificial teeth of your bridge, ensuring that no debris is left behind.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular check-ups and cleanings are crucial for maintaining the health of your dental bridge and surrounding teeth. Your dentist can also check for any issues and provide professional cleaning.
- Avoid Chewing on Hard or Sticky Foods: Hard or sticky foods can damage your dental bridge. Try to avoid these types of foods to keep your bridge in good condition.
The Costs of a Dental Bridge
While the cost of your dental bridge will vary based on several factors, you can generally expect to invest between $2,000 and $5,000. At DiBartola Dental, we consider various elements that influence the total cost:
- Specific requirements of your case
- Materials used (porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys)
- Type of dental bridge needed
- Number of teeth being replaced
- Any additional procedures required
We’re committed to transparency in our pricing and will provide a detailed cost breakdown during your consultation. Our team will also assist you in navigating your dental insurance benefits and discuss available financing options to make your treatment as affordable as possible.
Can You Get a Dental Bridge?
Determining your candidacy for a dental bridge involves several factors. During your consultation, Dr. DiBartola will carefully assess:
- Location and number of missing teeth
- Health of adjacent teeth
- Your overall oral health, including gum condition
- Bone density in the affected area
- Your bite alignment
- Oral hygiene habits
If a dental bridge isn’t the optimal solution for you, Dr. DiBartola may recommend alternatives such as dental implants or partial dentures. We’re committed to finding the best treatment plan for your unique situation.
Alternatives to Dental Bridges
While dental bridges are a popular option for replacing missing teeth, there are alternative solutions available. Some of these alternatives include:
- Dental Implants: A dental implant is a surgical procedure that involves placing an artificial root into the jawbone to support a crown or bridge. This option provides a permanent and stable solution for missing teeth.
- Removable Partial Dentures: A removable partial denture is a plate with one or more artificial teeth that can be taken out and cleaned. This option is less invasive and can be a good choice for those who prefer a removable solution.
- Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge is a temporary solution that can be used while a permanent bridge is being created. This allows you to maintain the appearance and function of your teeth during the interim period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental bridges last?
With proper care and regular check-ups at DiBartola Dental, your bridge can last 10 to 15 years or more. Implant-supported bridges often have an even longer lifespan.
Can a dental bridge be whitened if it becomes stained?
Unlike natural teeth, dental bridges can’t be whitened using traditional methods. That’s why we take great care in selecting a shade that matches your desired tooth color when crafting your bridge. If staining occurs, professional cleaning or, in rare cases, replacement may be necessary.
Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation With Dr. DiBartola Today!
Don’t let missing teeth impact your quality of life any longer. Take the first step towards a restored smile by contacting DiBartola Dental in Bridgeville, PA. Contact our Bridgeville dental office by dialing (412) 221-9440 to schedule your comprehensive consultation for a dental bridge. Dr. DiBartola and our expert team are dedicated to helping you achieve exceptional oral health and a confident smile.
We proudly serve patients from Bridgeville and surrounding areas, including Scott Township, Carnegie, Heidelberg, and Upper Saint Clair, PA. Let us help you rediscover the joy of a complete, healthy smile.