Dental Bridges at Anderson Family Dentistry in Mesa AZ
A missing tooth is more than a cosmetic issue. It can change the way you chew, put strain on neighboring teeth and affect the shape of your jaw and bite over time. Anderson Family Dentistry in Mesa, AZ, offers dental bridges that close the gap with a fixed, natural-looking replacement. We design every bridge to fit comfortably and blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge replaces one or several missing teeth with custom-made artificial teeth that are held in position by your existing teeth as supports. The support teeth are called abutments. They are shaped to hold crowns that anchor the bridge securely. This fixed design helps the replacement tooth remain in place, unlike traditional removable dentures.
Bridges are typically made from porcelain, helping the replacement tooth match the color and shape of the surrounding teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges
Modern dentistry has four main types of dental bridges. The right choice depends on your overall dental health and the location of the gap. Types of bridges include:
- Traditional Bridge – Crowns are used on surrounding teeth next to the gap to anchor the replacement tooth. This is the most common type when healthy teeth are present on either side.
- Cantilever Bridge – It is very similar to a traditional bridge, but the anchor is placed on only one side of the gap. This option is used when one healthy tooth is available at the treatment site.
- Maryland Bridge – This option is considered minimally invasive. The bridge is held in place with a metal or porcelain framework, attached directly to the backs of adjacent teeth. This bridge preserves more natural tooth structure.
- Implant-Supported Bridge – The dental bridge is directly secured in your jawbone using titanium dental implants. This method is used for several consecutive missing teeth or to provide maximum stability when adjacent teeth are weak.
Are you a Candidate for a Bridge?
Bridges work best when the teeth next to the gap are healthy. Overall gum health also plays a role, since healthy gums help the bridge fit securely and last longer. You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have one or more missing teeth affecting your ability to chew, your bite, and your smile.
- Notice neighboring teeth shifting or becoming misaligned due to the empty space.
- Experience cosmetic changes to your face and jaw due to the missing tooth.
- Have difficulty speaking clearly due to the gap.
- Prefer a more secure, fixed solution over a traditional denture.
Benefits of choosing a Bridge
A well-fitted bridge does more than fill the gap. It also:
- Restores your ability to chew and speak normally
- Maintains the natural shape of your face, jaw, and bite
- Distributes bite force evenly across your teeth
- Prevents alignment issues
- Blends naturally with your teeth and smile
What to Expect During Your Bridge Appointment?
Your treatment starts with a dental exam and X-rays to help Mark W. Anderson evaluate the gap and condition of adjacent teeth, while determining which type of bridge fits best for your specific case.
For a traditional or cantilever bridge, the abutment teeth are numbed with local anesthesia and reshaped to support the crowns. We take impressions of the gap to create a custom bridge that matches the size, shape, and color of your teeth. In the meantime, you wear a temporary bridge.
Once the permanent bridge is ready, we check it for fit and comfort and adjust it as needed. Then we secure it in place. A normal bridge treatment often takes two visits, usually spaced a few weeks apart.
Aftercare for Your Bridge
A bridge requires everyday care just like your natural teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly are essential and good habits to maintain. A water flosser is often recommended, as it can help clean underneath your replacement tooth. With proper care, your bridge can last for several years before requiring replacement or realignment.
Payment and Insurance
We accept a range of insurance plans while offering flexible ways to manage the cost of treatment. Eligible patients can use financing options through CareCredit and Cherry. Anderson Family Dentistry also offers in-house payment plans and a membership plan to suit your needs.
Schedule your Bridge Consultation Today!
Are you ready for a gap-free, natural-looking smile? Contact Anderson Family Dentistry and find out whether a dental bridge is the right solution for you. Call or visit our office today to schedule your appointment.
Contact Information
Anderson Family Dentistry
4824 E Baseline Rd Ste 122
Phone: (480) 633-3447
