Dental Bridges in Plano, TX

Did you know that every time you lost a tooth, you lose 20% of your chewing efficiency? Patients of all ages with missing teeth don't merely have an aesthetic issue — gaps between the teeth can have a powerful impact on your overall oral health. The fact is: your teeth, gums, and facial bones are carefully balanced. Missing teeth can affect your jaw development and bite function in very negative ways. With time, an absent tooth can lead to teeth shifting, bite problems (overbite, underbite, or crossbite), and atrophy of the gums and jawbone. A dental bridge restores the appearance and health of your teeth by covering spaces with a false tooth supported by either crown, dental implant, or a combination of both. At Miller & Miller Dentistry in Plano, TX, general and cosmetic dentists Dr. Chris and Dr. Matt create bridges with top-quality materials that will help to restore your beautiful smile. If you have one or more teeth missing from your smile, please schedule a consultation appointment with our office to get more information about your restoration options with a dental bridge.

When one or several of your teeth are missing, it's more than just a cosmetic problem — missing teeth can cause other teeth to move out of position. This can result in unnecessary tension in your bite, increased pain during chewing, or even difficulty speaking.

A dental bridge requires the surrounding teeth to be strong enough to support the restoration, including sufficient jawbone density and gums. Dr. Chris Miller or Dr. Matt Miller will assess your gums and jaw during your exam to decide if the gums and teeth on either side of the missing tooth are healthy, and then Dr. Miller will help you choose a suitable bridge type (traditional, cantilever, Maryland bonded, or resin bonded) and a material (porcelain, ceramic, metal, or porcelain fused to metal).

After your teeth are prepped for the crown, Dr. Chris or Dr. Matt will take digital X-rays and impressions of your teeth so your custom bridge can be created. If needed, a temporary bridge or restoration can be placed while your custom one is being made.

Once your dental bridge is ready, the custom bridge will either be cemented in place or attached to dental implants, depending on the support. Dr. Chris or Dr. Matt will carefully adjust the fit of the bridge so it feels right in your mouth and remains in place without causing problems.

After your bridge is in place, you should notice an improvement in your teeth's function and appearance. A member of our team will show you how to maintain your dental bridge, including the best way to clean it and what foods to avoid. It is very important to frequently clean your bridge and mouth since cavities can still develop underneath the restoration if not properly taken care of. With proper care, your dental bridge can last for many years. You will need to continue to schedule appointments at Miller & Miller Dentistry for your annual dental exams and cleaning twice a year. In your examination, we will assess the health and fit of your dental bridge to determine if it needs repaired or replaced.

Even if you don't mind how you look with a gap from a missing tooth, it can lead to more expensive troubles if you do not have it fixed. Schedule a consultation with one of our excellent general and cosmetic dentists, Dr. Chris or Dr. Matt to learn more about bridge restorations and the options that match your specific needs. Miller & Miller Dentistry is proud to offer high-quality dental restorations that will enhance the appearance and health of your mouth. Contact our team in Plano, TX to schedule your appointment.