A complete smile is more than just a sign of beauty—it’s essential for your confidence, oral health, and everyday comfort. Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat, speak, or smile naturally. Fortunately, a dental bridge offers a reliable and long-lasting solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. With the help of an experienced dentist in Westwood, you can restore your smile’s appearance and functionality through a personalized dental bridge in Westwood treatment.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a custom-made restoration used to “bridge” the gap left by missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) that are anchored by crowns on the adjacent natural teeth or implants.
When you choose a dental bridge in Westwood, your dentist in Westwood ensures that the bridge matches the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth—blending seamlessly into your smile. Whether you’ve lost teeth due to decay, injury, or age, a dental bridge provides an efficient way to bring back both form and function.
Why You Might Need a Dental Bridge
Missing teeth can lead to more than just cosmetic issues. Gaps in your smile can cause your remaining teeth to shift out of place, affect your bite alignment, and even lead to bone loss over time. That’s why consulting a dentist in Westwood for a dental bridge treatment is crucial.
Here are a few common reasons why patients choose a dental bridge:
- To replace one or more missing teeth
- To restore chewing and speaking ability
- To prevent teeth from drifting into empty spaces
- To maintain facial structure and jawbone support
- To improve the overall aesthetics of their smile
A dental bridge in Westwood not only restores your smile but also supports your oral health in the long run.
Types of Dental Bridges
Your dentist in Westwood may recommend different types of bridges depending on your needs and oral condition. Here are the most common options:
- Traditional Dental Bridge
The most common type, this bridge involves creating crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and placing an artificial tooth in between. - Cantilever Bridge
Used when only one adjacent tooth is available to support the bridge. - Maryland Bonded Bridge
This bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth—an excellent option for replacing front teeth. - Implant-Supported Bridge
Instead of relying on natural teeth, this bridge is anchored to dental implants. It provides exceptional stability and durability.
When you visit a dentist in Westwood, they’ll evaluate your oral health, bite, and bone structure to recommend the best type of dental bridge for your unique needs.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
The process of getting a dental bridge in Westwood typically involves two or more visits to your dentist in Westwood:
- Initial Consultation and Preparation
During your first visit, your dentist examines your mouth, takes X-rays, and prepares the supporting teeth by reshaping them to fit the crowns. Impressions are then taken to create your custom bridge. - Temporary Bridge Placement
While your permanent bridge is being fabricated, a temporary bridge is placed to protect your exposed teeth and gums. - Permanent Bridge Fitting
Once ready, your dentist in Westwood removes the temporary bridge and carefully fits the permanent one. Adjustments are made for comfort and proper bite alignment before permanently bonding it in place.
After your dental bridge Westwood procedure, your smile will look and feel natural again—allowing you to eat, talk, and smile with complete confidence.
Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
Choosing a dental bridge in Westwood offers numerous advantages:
- Restores a Natural Appearance – Your smile looks complete and natural again.
- Improves Chewing and Speaking – You can enjoy your favorite foods and speak clearly.
- Prevents Tooth Movement – Keeps neighboring teeth from shifting out of alignment.
- Supports Facial Structure – Prevents the sagging that often occurs with tooth loss.
- Quick and Effective Solution – Unlike implants, bridges don’t require surgery and can be completed in just a few visits.
A skilled dentist in Westwood ensures your bridge fits perfectly and functions just like natural teeth.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Proper maintenance ensures that your dental bridge lasts for many years. Here are a few essential care tips:
- Brush twice daily and floss carefully around the bridge.
- Use an interdental brush or water flosser to clean underneath the bridge.
- Visit your dentist in Westwood regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.
- Avoid chewing hard foods or ice to prevent damage.
With good care and regular dental visits, your dental bridge in Westwood can last 10–15 years or even longer.
Restore Your Smile with a Trusted Dentist
A missing tooth doesn’t have to hold you back. With dental bridge in Westwood treatment, you can restore your smile’s beauty, comfort, and function quickly and effectively. An experienced dentist in Westwood will help you choose the best bridge type and ensure long-lasting, natural-looking results.
If you’re ready to regain your confidence and improve your oral health, schedule a consultation today. Let a trusted dentist in Westwood help you restore your complete smile with a durable, beautiful dental bridge Westwood designed just for you.