Dental Bridges in Locust Valley
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When you’ve lost several teeth whether due to extraction, injury, or decay, it may feel embarrassing and can cause severe issues in chewing and jaw alignment. Fortunately, advanced dental devices and techniques are available to replace missing teeth and restore function and appearance.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are restorative dental devices that are anchored to either adjoining teeth or the jaw to bridge the gap caused by adjacent missing teeth. They are typically made of porcelain, gold, or other metal alloys depending on their position and the condition of surrounding teeth and can be anchored in a number of ways.
Bridges provide essential functions and preventative care to people who have missing teeth, no matter where in the mouth. When a gap opens in the arch, natural teeth on either side of it will drift into the open space, causing orthodontic problems. This movement can warp the jawbone over time and make dental hygiene harder to manage effectively. With a bridge in place, the natural pressure between teeth that helps keep them from moving is restored so problems don’t arise.
Ready to begin your journey to a healthy smile?
What Different Types of Dental Bridges are Available?
Depending on your needs and the condition of the surrounding teeth, different techniques for placing a dental bridge can be used. At Locust Valley Dentistry, Dr. Koster will give you an examination to determine if bridges are a suitable solution for your dental needs and create a customized plan with the right type of dental bridge for your unique situation.
Traditional Bridges
When teeth are healthy and intact on both sides of a multiple-tooth gap, the simplest procedure for dental bridges is to anchor the custom-made bridge to either side using dental crowns. This is the most common form of dental bridge used in restorative dentistry. They consist of two crowns, called abutments, connected by the necessary number of pontics, or tooth spacers.
After the area has been examined, Dr. Koster will perform a painless procedure to remove material from the teeth used as anchors to prepare them to receive a dental crown. She then places a temporary bridge until a permanent one can be fabricated by the lab. When the permanent bridge arrives, the crowns are cemented on the teeth to provide a permanent anchor for the bridge.
Cantilever Bridges
If there is only one natural tooth adjacent to the gap, a cantilever bridge is usually needed. Similar to traditional dental bridges, these devices have only one crown used to anchor the attached pontics to the real tooth.
Maryland Dental Bridges
An alternative to traditional dental bridges is the so-called Maryland bridge. These use a different anchoring method compared to crown-anchored bridges. These bridges attach pontics with a porcelain or metal framework around the backs of the natural teeth on either side of the gap, rather than with crowns that cover the teeth. Maryland bridges may be an option for certain dental bridge patients, and Dr. Koster can help you find the right treatment during a consultation.
Implant-Assisted Dental Bridges
The most advanced treatment plan for bridging a tooth gap is with implant-assisted dental bridges. In certain cases where deemed necessary or desired, dental implants, rather than natural teeth, will provide the anchor for the dental bridge. Two implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone and after they are secured over the course of time, the artificial teeth are placed along with a dental bridge.
This process can take three to six months to complete but provides natural-looking and permanent results that are worth the wait.
Meet Dr. Koster
Through her work at some of Manhattan’s most well-known cosmetic dental practices, Dr. Adrianne Koster has seen how tooth-colored crowns can help her patients maintain healthy and beautiful smiles.
Dr. Koster has been selected as a “Top New York Dentist” every year since 2016 based on her:
- Attention to detail and skill
- Warm, caring, and friendly nature
- Emphasis on patient comfort
- Ongoing study of the newest dental technologies
- Passion for dentistry
Am I a Good Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
If you have a missing tooth or teeth and are looking for a non-removable and natural-looking solution for both functional and cosmetic issues associated with missing teeth. No matter the condition of your mouth, there is a dental bridge solution for you. People who are not able to withstand surgery or general anesthesia may not be eligible for implant-assisted bridges.
How Do I Care for a Dental Bridge?
Once your permanent dental bridge has been inserted, taking care of it is important for continued benefits and good dental health. You can brush and floss around your bridge and crowns as normal and attend regular dental checkups as Dr. Koster recommends. In addition, you may want to ask about special dental bridge brushes that can clean underneath the bridge to keep the gums and bridge clear of bacteria.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Can a dental bridge be done in one day?
Do dental bridges look natural?
Can you eat with a temporary bridge?
Can you have a 3 tooth bridge?
Do dental bridges break easily?
Are dental bridges permanent?
Can a tooth bridge be removed and put back on?
Can you fix a dental bridge?
Can you get decay under a bridge?
Can a dentist fix a loose bridge?
Is Locust Valley Dentists right for you?
At Locust Valley Dentists, your comfort and satisfaction come first. We start by listening to you, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve through your visit to our practice. We’ll talk about:
- Advantages of the modern materials used for crowns
- How to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for years to come
- The importance of brushing and flossing after an implant or root canal
- How to maximize the durability of your crown
If you’re nervous about visiting the dentist, don’t worry.
At Locust Valley Dentists, we are known for being gentle, warm, and friendly. This will be the most relaxing and comfortable dental experience of your life! To decrease anxiety during treatment we offer our patients:
Eyewear
Headphones
Soothing music
Blankets
Aromatherapy
Location
- Convenient office hours to fit the busiest schedules
Philosophy
- There’s never any stress or judgment here
Office
- Our modern, calm, and relaxing office is one of a kind
Education
- Learn how crowns improve your health, appearance, and life
No Insurance? No problem.
Even if you don’t have dental insurance, you can still get the healthy and beautiful smile you’ve always wanted! At Locust Valley Dentists, we work with our patients and offer a variety of financing options. Wondering how much your crown will cost? We’re here to answer all of your questions.
Insurance & Financing
For your dental crown, our office can work with many PPO insurance plans.
Our friendly and knowledgeable front office team will help you file your claim and maximize your benefits. If you don’t see your provider listed or if you have questions about payment options, contact our office to learn more.
Our Office
