Dental Bridges in Nashua, NH: Restore Your Smile with Expert Care at Nashua Family Dental

Missing teeth can significantly impact your oral health, function, and appearance. A dental bridge is a reliable and effective solution to replace one or more missing teeth, restoring your smile’s function and aesthetics. At Nashua Family Dental, our skilled team, led by Dr. Keshian, provides personalized dental bridge treatments tailored to your needs and goals. Whether you are missing a single tooth or several, we offer both fixed and removable dental bridges, with the option to use dental implants for a more secure and long-lasting solution.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a custom-made restoration that fills the gap left by missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, which are anchored in place by crowns or implants on either side of the gap. Dental bridges not only restore the appearance of your smile but also help maintain the alignment of your remaining teeth, prevent bite problems, and support jawbone health.

Benefits of Dental Bridges:

• Restores Function: Bridges allow you to chew and speak properly, restoring the natural function of your teeth.
• Prevents Shifting: By filling the gap, bridges prevent neighboring teeth from shifting out of place, which can lead to misalignment and bite issues.
• Maintains Facial Structure: Replacing missing teeth helps prevent the sunken, aged appearance that can occur when teeth are lost.
• Improves Aesthetics: A bridge can enhance your smile, boosting your confidence and overall appearance.

Dental Bridge vs. Dental Implants: What to Consider

While dental bridges have been a standard treatment for missing teeth for decades, dental implants offer a modern alternative with several advantages:

• Dental Bridge: A traditional bridge relies on adjacent teeth for support, which requires filing down healthy teeth and placing crowns. This can increase the risk of decay and the need for root canals in the future. Bridges typically have a shorter lifespan than implants and may require more maintenance over time.
• Dental Implants: Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as a sturdy foundation for the bridge without impacting neighboring teeth. Implants help maintain bone density and gum health, offering a more permanent and low-maintenance solution. While implants may have a higher initial cost, they are often more cost-effective in the long term due to their durability and longevity.

What to Expect When Getting a Dental Bridge

The process of receiving a dental bridge involves several steps to ensure a comfortable fit and natural appearance:

1. Consultation and Evaluation: Your journey begins with a consultation where we assess your oral health, discuss your needs, and determine the best treatment approach for you.
2. Preparation of Support Teeth: If natural teeth are being used to anchor the bridge, they will be prepared by reshaping and placing crowns to provide stability.
3. Implant Placement (if applicable): If dental implants are used to support the bridge, the surgical placement of the implants will be completed first, followed by a healing period to allow the implants to integrate with the bone.
4. Impressions and Custom Bridge Fabrication: Impressions of your teeth are taken to create a custom bridge that matches your bite and blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
5. Fitting and Placement: Once the bridge is ready, it will be fitted and adjusted for comfort and function before being securely bonded in place.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

Proper care is essential to prolong the life of your dental bridge. Maintain a regular oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice daily, flossing under the bridge, and using interdental brushes or floss threaders to keep the area clean. Regular dental check-ups are also important to monitor the health of the supporting teeth or implants.

Dental Bridges FAQs

• How much does a dental bridge cost?
  The cost of a dental bridge varies based on the type of bridge, the materials used, and whether implants are involved. We provide detailed cost estimates and work with your insurance to maximize your benefits.

• Can you repair broken bridgework?
  In many cases, broken or damaged bridgework can be repaired. However, if the bridge is severely compromised, it may need to be replaced.

• How do I care for a dental bridge?
  Care for your bridge as you would your natural teeth. Brush and floss daily, and use specialized tools to clean under the bridge to prevent plaque buildup.

• What can you not do after a dental bridge?
  Avoid eating hard or sticky foods immediately after getting your bridge, as these can dislodge or damage the restoration.

• How long do dental bridges last on front teeth?
  With proper care, dental bridges can last 10-15 years or more, though the lifespan can vary based on oral hygiene and the location of the bridge.

• How long does it take to adjust to a dental bridge?
  It may take a few days to a couple of weeks to adjust fully to your new bridge. During this time, you may notice slight changes in speech or chewing, which should resolve as you become accustomed to the bridge.

• What to expect after getting a bridge?
  Some minor sensitivity or discomfort is normal, but this should subside within a few days. Follow any aftercare instructions provided to ensure a smooth transition.

Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation Today

If you are missing teeth and considering a dental bridge, contact Nashua Family Dental at (603) 881-4022 or request an appointment online. Let our experienced team help you restore your smile and improve your quality of life with our expert restorative dentistry services in Nashua, NH.