Dr. Christopher T. Griffin is a dentist in Greenwood, SC who has years of experience in providing patients with a variety of treatment options for their smile when problems arise. Missing teeth can be a serious concern, especially if they are not replaced as soon as possible. The existing teeth can shift out of place, resulting in gaps between teeth and misalignment of the dental arch. It can also impact the efficiency of eating and speaking. Our team educates patients on the solutions available to them, including dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants, and helps them learn about the process of obtaining each. One popular option for our patients is dental bridges.
Understanding dental bridges
Dental bridges help “bridge the gap” left behind when teeth are extracted or lost. Dr. Christopher T. Griffin finds them to be a good solution for patients who want a fixed, yet affordable restoration. Dental bridges are made of variety of materials, including:
- Gold
- Zirconia
- Lithium Disilicate
- Porcelain
- Porcelain fused to metal
Choosing the one right for you can be achieved with the assistance of our team. Once patients choose to use a dental bridge to replace their missing teeth, they are educated on the process of obtaining one.
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From start to finish, the process of dental bridges
To start the process, patients must have lost a tooth or are considering extraction of a tooth that is infected, unhealthy, or injured in any manner. The idea behind a bridge is having adjacent teeth that can be used to hold the bridge in place. If these are not available, patients may want to consider another option, or think about having dental implants placed as anchors. Once patients have chosen dental bridges as the solution to their needs, preparations begin. This includes filing down the enamel of the adjacent teeth and taking impressions. Dental crowns are made to cover these teeth, and then are fused to false teeth called pontics to create the dental bridge. Dental bridges may replace a single tooth or several teeth in a row, as several pontics can be joined together. Once the bridge is fabricated, which can take approximately one week, patients will return to the dental office for the placement of their final restoration. In-between the preparations and the placement of the final restoration, patients may have a temporary restoration used, which is removed and replaced during the last appointment. After the bridge has been placed, patients can return to the dental office for their routine appointments for evaluation and to monitor the restoration. If, at any time, it needs repair, our team of professionals can help. However, with proper maintenance, most patients will enjoy their dental bridge for 10 years or longer!
Why choose dental bridges?
Dental bridges have many benefits. They are permanent, in a manner similar to a dental implant. They do not have to be removed every day as a traditional partial denture would. They look completely natural when fabricated to match the existing teeth, and they are long-lasting with proper care. Patients love that they are an affordable option, and many dental insurance plans will provide partial coverage for this type of restoration and will often not do so for the placement of dental implants. We recommend patients bring their dental insurance card to their appointment, so we can determine the final cost as soon as possible.
Want to find out more about dental bridges?
Dental bridges are just one of many treatment options for our patients to consider at the practice of Dr. Christopher T. Griffin. Connect with our staff today to schedule an appointment and consult with our team about the options available for you. Call [phone] and visit at 150 West Cambridge Avenue. Our professionals are here to assist and can provide patients in and around the area of Greenwood, SC with the solutions that can improve the health, appearance, and functionality of the smile. Don’t go without your natural teeth. When missing teeth become an issue, work with a dentist who can restore the smile!