Dental Bridges in Williston, VT

If one or more of your teeth have fallen out, it is not just a cosmetic issue — gaps in your teeth may cause your remaining teeth to shift out of place. This may lead to more tension when biting, pain when you chew, or even the impairment of speech. A bridge improves the health and appearance of your smile by filling in gaps using a false tooth that is supported by either your natural teeth, dental implants, or both. At Contemporary Dental Arts in Williston, VT, dentist Dr. Lauren Shanard offers dental bridges with high-quality materials to help give you back your smile. If you have gaps in your smile, schedule a consultation with Dr. Shanard to learn more about your treatment options with dental bridges.

Missing teeth are not just a cosmetic problem — spaces in your smile may heavily impact the health of your mouth. Your mouth is balanced carefully and a missing tooth may affect how well you can use it. Over time, gaps may lead to the shifting of teeth, causing problems with your bite (underbite, overbite, crossbite) and gum or jawbone atrophy. To place a bridge, the surrounding teeth must be healthy enough to hold the restoration, with good density in the jawbone and gum tissue. Dr. Shanard will examine your mouth at your consultation to help you decide the best type of bridge (cantilever, traditional, resin bonded, or Maryland bonded) and material (ceramic, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and metal).

Once your supporting teeth are prepped and filed down, Dr. Shanard will take digital images and dental impressions so your bridge can be created. A temporary bridge may be used while your custom one is crafted. As soon as your bridge is ready, your mouth may be numbed with local anesthesia. Stronger sedation methods can be discussed for any dental anxieties or trouble with a gag reflex to help keep you calm during the placement. Your bridge can be glued into its position or connected to implants, based on the method you and Dr. Shanard chose at your consult. Dr. Shanard will adjust the position of your bridge so it is comfortable and stable.

You should have a noticeable improvement in the appearance and function of your teeth. You may schedule a follow-up appointment at Contemporary Dental Arts to adjust your bridge's fit if it feels uncomfortable after it is placed. Dr. Shanard or an assistant on her team will teach you how to care for your bridge, including the ways to keep it clean and any foods to avoid. It's important to keep your bridge and mouth clean because decay can develop under the bridge. If you properly care for it, your bridge may stay in place for several years. You should continue to schedule appointments at Contemporary Dental Arts to get an annual dental examination and bi-annual dental cleanings. During your exams, Dr. Shanard can check the health and wear of your bridge to decide if it should be replaced or repaired.

Dental restorations like bridges are typically covered, at least in part, by dental insurance. One of our team members will work with your insurance company to calculate your coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Contemporary Dental Arts offers several forms of payment, including financing options, that may be discussed during your consult with Dr. Shanard. She will also help you choose the best bridge type and material to suit your budget and needs.

Even if you don't mind the way your smile looks with a missing tooth, it may turn into long-term problems if you don't seek treatment. Make an appointment with dentist Dr. Shanard to get more information about dental bridge restorations and the different options to fit your unique needs. Contemporary Dental Arts is pleased to offer custom dental bridges that can improve the health and appearance of your smile. Contact our office in Williston, VT to make your consultation.