Restoring Smiles in Coppell, TX
When one or a few of your teeth are missing, it is more than just a problem with appearance — missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift, causing extra tension when you bite, increased pain during chewing, or even trouble speaking. A dental bridge restores the appearance your smile and health of your mouth by covering spaces with a false tooth supported by either dental implants, your natural teeth, or a combination of both. At James Peterson Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Coppell, TX, Dr. James Peterson offers custom bridges with made with top-quality materials that will restore your beautiful smile.
Getting a Dental Bridge
People with missing teeth do not merely have an appearance issue — gaps between teeth can have a powerful impact on your oral health. In fact, your mouth is carefully balanced, and a gap can affect how well it functions. In time, a missing tooth can lead to other teeth shifting, creating bite problems (underbite, crossbite, overbite) and atrophy of the gums and jawbone. A dental bridge requires the surrounding teeth to be strong enough to support the restoration, including sufficient jawbone density and gums. Dr. Peterson will evaluate your teeth, gums, and jaw during your exam and consultation to help you select the best bridge type (traditional, cantilever, Maryland bonded, or resin bonded) and material (porcelain, ceramic, metal, and porcelain fused to metal).
What To Expect
After your teeth are prepped, Dr. Peterson will take digital X-rays and impressions of your teeth so your custom bridge can be fabricated. If needed, a temporary bridge or restoration can be placed while you wait for your permanent restoration to be made. Once it is ready, the dental bridge is either cemented in place or attached to dental implants, depending on what you and Dr. Peterson decided on for your personal treatment plan. Dr. Peterson will carefully adjust the fit of the bridge so that it feels right in your mouth and remains in place.
Follow-Up & After Care
Once your bridge is in place, you should notice an immediate improvement in the function and appearance of your teeth. You may need a second appointment at James Peterson Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to perfect the fit of your bridge if it seems loose or uncomfortable after placement. Dr. Peterson or a member of his team will show you how to maintain your restoration, including the best way to clean it and if you need to avoid any foods. It is crucial to regularly clean your bridge and mouth, since cavities can still develop underneath and around the restoration area. With proper care, your custom bridge can last for many years. You need to continue to make appointments at James Peterson Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for your annual dental exams and semiannual cleanings. At your dental exams, Dr. Peterson will evaluate the wear and health of your custom bridge to determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Dental Bridge Restorations
If you have missing teeth, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Peterson to learn about your restoration options with a custom bridge. Even if you do not mind how you look with a gap, it can lead to bigger issues if it isn’t fixed. Schedule a consultation to learn more about dental bridges and what options are available to you. James Peterson Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is proud to offer high-quality dental restorations that can improve the appearance and health of your teeth. Contact our front office in Coppell, TX to schedule your appointment today.