Dental Bridges – Tucson, AZ
An Affordable Way to Replace Missing Teeth
Tooth loss is a problem that affects millions of people across the country. Approximately 178 million Americans are missing at least one of their teeth. The good news is that just because you’re missing a tooth doesn’t mean that you need to go the rest of your life without it. Dr. Jay Lopez provides high-quality dental bridges in Tucson to fill in gaps left behind by one or more missing teeth in a row. If you have gaps in your smile that leave you insecure about your smile, give us a call to learn more or schedule an initial consultation for an affordable way to replace missing teeth!
Why Choose Dr. Jay Lopez for Dental Bridges?
- Dentist with Over Two Decades of Experience
- Bridges That Can Last 15+ Years
- CareCredit Financing Available
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a type of restoration that is used to replace used to replace consecutive missing teeth. This could be anywhere from one tooth to four teeth in a row! The bridge is composed of two crowns and a number of replacement teeth known as “pontics.” The crowns are anchored on the adjacent teeth or implants (depending on the type of bridge that you opt for). Bridges can be made out of a variety of different materials, but porcelain is usually the best choice for a strong and natural-looking restoration.
Types of Dental Bridges
If Dr. Lopez determines that you are a good candidate for a dental bridge, you have two different types that you could end up with: a traditional bridge and an implant bridge. Here is what each one entails:
Traditional Bridge
If you still have healthy teeth on each side of the gap that needs to be filled in, a traditional bridge is ideal. The teeth that support crowns are known as “abutment teeth,” and they need to be altered slightly for the bridge to fit properly. This type of restoration can be placed in just a few visits and are typically less pricy than their implant alternative.
Implant Bridge
Dental implant bridges can be used where there are three or more missing teeth in a row. Instead of being placed over abutment teeth, the crowns are placed on the titanium posts that merge with the jaw and act as artificial tooth roots. Implant bridges last longer than traditional bridges on average and help to prevent jawbone deterioration in the future as a result of tooth loss.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
A traditional dental bridge is a relatively simple and cost-effective option for replacing missing teeth. In addition to providing strength and stability for chewing and speaking, they help to maintain the shape of your face. They also keep your natural teeth from shifting out of place and causing misalignment issues in the future.