Dental Bridges Columbia, South Carolina

Building a Better Smile

Missing teeth can create a number of oral health problems and have a negative effect on the appearance of your smile. Dr. Nicholas Pournaras knows how important replacing missing teeth is to preserving the condition of your mouth and preventing disease and infection. This is why he offers dental bridges at his Columbia dental practice as an effective and long-lasting solution to tooth loss. His commitment to patient care and use of the most advanced dental technology will make the restoration of your smile a comfortable, easy experience.

Columbia Smiles offers several treatment options for patients who are missing teeth. If you are interested in learning more about dental bridges or other restorative dentistry services, contact our Columbia, South Carolina practice today.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are used to close the gaps left behind by missing teeth by filling them with natural-looking synthetic teeth. These teeth, called pontics, are typically held in place by dental crowns that are placed on either side of the gap. Patients who have lost teeth and experience pain or discomfort during simple tasks such as chewing, drinking, and speaking can benefit from dental bridges. Dental bridges also reduce the risk of jaw alignment problems and improve the look of the smile. Unlike traditional dentures, dental bridges are semi-permanent, meaning they can only be removed by a licensed dental professional. Because they are not removable by hand, bridges are stronger and more comfortable than some alternative treatments. At Columbia Smiles, our dental bridges are crafted by master ceramist Wayne Payne, who uses only the highest quality materials and most advanced techniques in creating flawless restorations.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are three different types of dental bridges. Traditional bridges are used when the natural teeth are intact on either side of the space left behind by a missing tooth or teeth. In this case, Dr. Nick places dental crowns on both teeth and fuses the artificial tooth to the crowns. Resin bonded bridges eliminate the use of dental crowns, because the artificial tooth is bonded to the natural tooth using special dental cement. This is typically recommended for patients who have particularly strong natural teeth. Finally, cantilever bridges are typically used when natural teeth only exist on one side of area gap. In this case, the synthetic tooth is fastened to a crown on only one side. This is an ideal treatment for the front teeth, which are under minimal pressure.

Why Receive Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges can be beneficial in many ways for patients who have experienced tooth loss. While dental bridges improve the appearance of the teeth, they also ward off a number of oral health issues that can arise from missing teeth. By closing the gap left behind by a missing tooth, dental bridges dramatically reduce the risk of gum infections and bone deterioration. In addition, they help keep the rest of the teeth properly aligned by preventing them from shifting out of place, which can cause jaw disorders such as TMJ dysfunction or lead to discomfort while chewing or talking. Dental bridges are also a convenient solution to tooth loss. At Columbia Smiles, bridges can be placed in two short office visits, but the benefits of treatment can last for years.

Learn More about Dental Bridges

If you have experienced tooth loss, we want you to know that you can restore the beauty and health of your mouth. To find out whether dental bridges are right for you, contact us to schedule a consultation at our Columbia dental practice today.