Dental Bridges – Long Island City, NY
No More Gaps, Only a Beautiful Smile
At LIC Dental Associates, our team of trusted professionals believes everyone should be able to enjoy a full, complete smile that looks great and functions well. With the help of dental bridges in Long Island City, we can rebuild missing teeth using a customized prosthetic that is crafted from multiple dental crowns. As a minimally invasive treatment option, individuals can walk away with a stronger, healthier smile as well as one that will last for many years to come. Let us know if you are interested in discussing your candidacy for a dental bridge by calling our office to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose LIC Dental Associates for Dental Bridges?
- Dentists Use Innovative Technology to Produce Accurate, Comfortable Bridges
- We Welcome Many Dental Insurance Plans & Maximize Benefits
- Saturday Dental Appointments Available
What is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges can be used to fill in a gap consisting of one or more missing teeth. It requires healthy gum tissue as well as sturdy abutment teeth that exist on either side of the space. Bridges are composed of a row of dental crowns that are designed to look as natural as possible. Additional crowns are then fitted over the healthy teeth on either side as a way to effectively anchor the bridge into place, creating a newly confident smile with renewed stability and permanence.
Types of Dental Bridges
The most common type of dental bridge is a fixed one; however, a superior solution that offers greater longevity is a bridge that is attached to dental implants. Knowing which one is right for you is part of what you can expect to discuss with one of our dentists during your initial appointment. We’ll go over your oral and overall health history as well as your budget and preferences that relate to your smile goals.
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional fixed bridge relies on healthy abutment teeth to hold it in place. It requires that these tooth structures be altered to create a comfortable and secure fit once the bridge is put in place.
Implant Bridge
An implant bridge does not require us to alter any natural teeth but instead attach the custom prosthetic to carefully placed dental implant posts. Made of titanium that fuses with the jawbone, implants can adequately support a dental bridge as long as the underlying jawbone is dense enough.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge?
Opting to replace your missing teeth with a dental bridge means you can expect many great benefits, such as:
- Better oral health that allows you to care for your smile in its entirety instead of worrying about bone loss, additional tooth loss, and even gum disease.
- A lowered risk of dental drift that can happen after one or more teeth are knocked out or extracted. This can lead to required orthodontic treatment in the future if healthy teeth shift out of alignment.
- An easy-to-maintain set of teeth that can be cared for just like regular tooth enamel.
- A new smile that can last up to 15 years.
Dental Bridges FAQs
What Can You Not Eat with a Dental Bridge?
Just like there are certain foods that can harm your natural teeth, there are certain foods that can harm your dental bridge. Sticky foods, like taffy, fruit gummies, and caramel-filled candies are a great example because they can tug on your restoration, causing it to loosen or completely fall off. Candy canes, peanut brittle, and other extremely crunchy foods should also be avoided since they can cause the crowns or replacement teeth to chip or crack.
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?
Dental bridges typically last somewhere between 5 and 15 years. That said, the longevity of yours depends largely on your daily habits. For example, if you smoke, drink alcohol excessively, or go to sleep without flossing your teeth, then there’s a good chance that you’ll need yours to be replaced relatively quickly. If, on the other hand, you brush consistently, schedule a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year, and wear a mouthguard during sports, yours should last for well over a decade.
Do Dental Bridges Feel Natural?
Since dental bridges are crafted from high-quality dental materials that look great and can stand up to everyday chewing forces, they do feel extremely natural. Plus, each one is custom-made to suit the patient’s unique dental needs and smile goals, ensuring it fits comfortably and blends in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. So, you don’t have to worry – your restoration won’t feel bulky or call any unwanted attention to your smile.
Can Dental Bridges Get Cavities?
No, dental bridges cannot get cavities. Since your gums can still develop an infection and your natural teeth can still decay, it’s important that you continue to take good care of your smile though. That starts with daily habits, like rinsing with an anti-microbial mouthwash, and extends to coming to our Long Island City dental office every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
The longer the dental bridge is, the less stable it is. For that reason, they are typically only recommended for patients who are missing between one and four teeth. If you are missing five or more, don’t worry – we also offer dentures and dental implants. That way, we can fill the gaps in your smile while also restoring the strength of your bite.
Are Dental Bridges Covered by Insurance?
Yes, dental insurance providers typically cover the cost of dental bridges. However, the level of coverage can vary, and there are certain restrictions that need to be considered, like waiting periods and annual maximums. The good news is that we work with most major dental PPO plans, so we can help you understand and utilize your coverage.