Dental Bridges near me in St. Petersburg, FL
Missing teeth are among one of the most common dental concerns and dental bridges offer a very effective, affordable, and permanent (non-removable) solution. At SMI Dental, we custom design and mill our own ceramic bridges for our patients in our in-house dental lab. This ensures the highest quality and fit for long term success, while also cutting down on fabrication times so that our patients can get their final results more efficiently.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is designed to permanently (non-removable) replace one or more missing teeth, effectively “bridging” the gap left behind following an extraction or extractions. The bridge is composed of two or more ceramic crowns that are permanently cemented on the healthy teeth adjacent to the gap, with a false tooth or teeth suspended between them.
The anchoring crowns provide a stable foundation for the bridge while the false tooth or teeth in the center of the bridge replace the missing teeth, giving you a very realistic feel and function of natural teeth while restoring your ability to chew and speak with ease. Dental bridges are not to be confused with removable partial dentures, which are removable frameworks with teeth attached to them that are not permanent solutions.
Dental bridges, as opposed to removable partial dentures, offer a permanent solution that mimics the function and feel of real, permanent teeth. This innovative dental treatment not only enhances your oral aesthetics but also plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and structure of your surrounding teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Restoring Your Smile
When you have a missing tooth or teeth, it can significantly impact the appearance of your smile, affecting your confidence and self-esteem. Dental bridges effectively fill in these gaps, creating a seamless and natural-looking smile that blends in with your remaining teeth.
Improving Oral Function
When you have missing teeth, it can become a challenge to chew and speak with ease. Fortunately, this is where dental bridges come into play, offering a solution that not only restores the aesthetic appeal of your smile but also improves your oral function.
Confidence Booster
In addition to enhancing your quality of life, dental bridges also boost your confidence in everyday interactions. Whether you’re enjoying a meal with friends or delivering a presentation at work, the improved chewing and speaking abilities provided by a tooth bridge can truly make a world of difference.
Tips to Maintaining Dental Bridges
To ensure the longevity of your fixed dental prosthesis, it’s essential to adopt good oral hygiene habits. This includes:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Flossing daily to remove plaque and food debris around the bridge
- Visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups
Additionally, avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could potentially damage the bridge can help extend its lifespan. With proper tooth bridge care and maintenance, your investment in a dental bridge can pay off for many years to come.
Choose SMI Dental for Dental bridges in St. Petersburg, FL
Dental bridges offer St. Petersburg, FL residents a reliable and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. This restorative dental treatment can help restore your smile, improve oral function, and boost your confidence. Book a consultation with us at SMI Dental to learn more about dental bridges and to discuss your tooth loss problem.