A fixed bridge is a popular way to fill the gaps in your smile and restore your self-esteem.

Fixed Dental Bridge in Lithia, FL

Why Is a Dental Bridge Necessary?

illustration of fixed dental bridge in lithia, FL A dental bridge is a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth may shift, leading to bite misalignment, increased risk of decay, and even further tooth loss. Missing teeth can also cause difficulties with chewing, speaking, and maintaining jawbone health (Tan et al., 2016). A custom dental bridge fills the gap, helping to maintain a healthy, properly aligned smile while improving oral function and appearance.

What Is the Process of Getting a Dental Bridge?

Getting a dental bridge typically requires two appointments. During the first visit, your Lithia, FL, dentist prepares the adjacent teeth by reshaping them to support crowns, which will anchor the bridge in place. Impressions or digital scans are then taken to create a custom-fit bridge that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. A temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth while the permanent restoration is being fabricated (Shillingburg et al., 2012). At the second visit, the temporary bridge is removed, and the permanent bridge is securely bonded, restoring your smile’s function and appearance.

Why Choose a Fixed Bridge? The Benefits of Restoring Your Smile

When you choose a fixed bridge from Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry, your smile will thank you! Here are some of the benefits of this popular dental restoration:

Functional Restoration

A fixed bridge fills the gaps in your smile, making it possible to chew and speak properly again. It can also help you maintain your bite and alignment, reducing the strain on your other teeth. Not only that, but a dental bridge supports your jawbone and keeps your face from looking sunken.

Aesthetic Excellence

We use quality materials to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, giving you a natural look you’ll be proud of. Imagine looking forward to smiling again without worrying about your missing teeth. You’ll enjoy improved self-esteem and a more pleasing appearance.

Efficiency and Convenience

Because your dental bridge is fixed in place, it won’t slip or shift when you eat your favorite foods or speak, as dentures can. And to care for it, all you have to do is brush and floss regularly and make regular visits to our office. A fixed bridge requires fewer visits than dental implants as well.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr. Joseph Wareham DMD

Dr. Joseph Wareham is the proud owner and dentist at Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry, a practice he founded and opened in 2013. With a deep passion for dentistry, Dr. Wareham has been practicing since graduating from Nova Southeastern University in 2007.

Dr. Wareham's favorite part of working in dentistry is the close-knit relationship he shares with his team members. He believes in fostering a fun and lighthearted work environment, where jokes and laughter are shared between colleagues and patients alike. This sense of camaraderie creates a comfortable and enjoyable experience for ...

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Bridge vs. Implant: Which Is Right for You?

patient at lithia dentist to get fixed bridge placed

When it comes to choosing between a dental bridge and an implant, it’s important to consider your smile goals, treatment timeline, and budgetary restrictions.

Let’s explore the pros and cons of each tooth replacement option:

Dental Implant

Mimics your tooth’s roots and preserves your jawbone
Easy to clean and maintain
Looks and feels extremely natural
Lasts a lifetime with proper care
Higher upfront costs
Longer treatment time
Not usually covered by insurance

Dental Bridge

Doesn’t preserve jawbone strength
Requires diligent dental hygiene
Looks and feels extremely natural
Lasts for 15+ years with proper care
Lower initial cost
Shorter treatment time
Often covered by insurance
Requires healthy adjacent teeth

Essential Care: How to Make Your Bridge Last 15+ Years

Once you’ve restored your smile with a fixed bridge, the next step is to properly care for your bridge and the surrounding teeth. With diligent hygiene and routine preventive visits to your Lithia dental office, your bridge could last for more than 15 years.

Research has shown that the longevity of your fixed bridge is directly tied to your dental hygiene and eating habits. The abutment teeth that secure your bridge are more prone to plaque buildup, especially at the gumline, and without healthy abutment teeth, you’ll have to choose an alternative tooth replacement option.

Some of the best ways to care for your smile include the following:

Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush twice a day, making sure to focus on the area around your bridge and at the gumline.
Use a floss threader, water flosser, or interdental brush to clean under your bridge. Often, food can get trapped in this area.
Rinse your mouth daily with an antiseptic mouthwash.
Avoid hard and sticky foods, as they can damage your bridge.
Try to avoid sugary foods and drinks that can lead to tooth decay.
Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw.
Visit your Lithia dentist every six months for a routine checkup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dental bridge used for?

A dental bridge is a very effective solution for filling the space left by a missing tooth. It is basically a single dental restoration that usually includes two dental crowns and a replacement tooth (pontic) that fills the empty space. The dental crowns are secured to adjacent teeth on either side of the empty space and provide support for the artificial tooth.

Why Choose a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge restores your ability to chew and speak properly by evenly distributing the force of your bite. Beyond the aesthetic benefit of a custom-shaded, complete smile, it also prevents your remaining teeth from shifting out of place, which protects you from future orthodontic or jaw issues.

Bridge the Gap in Your Smile

Missing teeth can affect your confidence and your health. Contact our team so we can help you determine if a custom bridge is the right solution to restore your smile's strength and beauty.

What Happens if a Missing Tooth Is Left Untreated?

Ignoring a missing tooth can lead to serious dental problems. Over time, adjacent teeth may shift, causing misalignment and increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Bone loss in the area can weaken the jaw structure, making future treatments more complex (Esposito et al., 2011). Additionally, missing teeth can impact your ability to chew and speak properly, leading to long-term oral health and functional issues. A dental bridge helps prevent these complications and preserves the integrity of your smile.

Restore Your Smile with a Custom Dental Bridge in Lithia, FL

If you’re missing a tooth, don’t wait for further complications. At Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry in Lithia, FL, we offer high-quality dental bridges to restore your smile and protect your oral health. Contact us today at (813) 438-5925 or book an appointment online to get started on your journey to a healthier, more confident smile.