Whenever you cruise across a bridge over the water, you’re being supported by the same principles that hold a dental bridge. Critical stabilization on each side helps bear the load, year after year. Teeth on either side of a space support a replacement tooth engineered from durable materials and glued into place. While this often serves for many years, the load-bearing teeth may deteriorate after thousands of chewing cycles. In some cases, this leads to more missing teeth.
In many cases, adding dental implants offer a better alternative, eliminating stress from the chewing system. When carefully placed in the bone of empty spaces, they mimic the roots of teeth. They bear the load that the natural teeth used to hold, sparing the neighboring teeth from excessive forces. In some cases, two implants may be used to build a bridge spanning from one solid titanium piece to another.
Although the planning becomes more complicated with larger spaces, Dr. Ritzau and Dr. Livingston know how to bring the puzzle pieces together to fit any scenario. Regardless of the scope of your treatment, the steps are similar to deliver a functional, brilliant smile.
Shoreline Dental Studio is represented by a group of warm, caring, intelligent and compassionate individuals. These health professionals work hard to make every experience at Shoreline Dental Studio an exceptional one. You can learn a little more about each of them below.
Your experience matters. Explore our patients’ testimonials and see why we’re their first choice in dental care.
“Best dental experience ever! Everyone is so sweet, caring and incredibly knowledgeable and confident. I was super nervous about going to dentist after not having gone for awhile but as soon as stepped into the studio I felt like I was in good, loving hands and had nothing to worry about! Everyone is so great about creating a calm and friendly experience:) Dr. Livingston is the best!”
Becca B
“It’s a friendly, welcoming and stress free environment. From the candle in the reception area to the windows in the treatment rooms looking out on a garden, it feels very non-dentist like, which is actually a good thing. They addressed the issue I had come in for and didn’t try to upsell me on other unnecessary treatments. I actually found a dentist’s office that I like!”
Rhonda H
Experience the compassionate care that sets us apart. Schedule your visit and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile!
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Just as a bridge over water is supported on each side, so a dental bridge uses crowns on either side of replacement artificial teeth to support them. Adding the dental implants and crowns on either side of the bridge also helps prevent wear and tear on the load-bearing teeth and adds stability.
If the issue is a chip or crack in the porcelain coating, your dentist may be able to repair it with dental bonding or a composite resin filling. If the bridge is loose, they can remove and recement it in place to secure it. Other problems may require a replacement. Your dentist will be able to assess your bridge and advise you on the best way forward.
If properly installed and well taken care of, a dental bridge can last for up to 15 years, but the average lifespan is around five to seven years.
It’s important to take good care of your bridge, just as you would with your natural teeth, to prevent staining. Over-the-counter products don’t work well on porcelain, but a professional whitening may be exactly what you need. (Alternatively, it may be time to replace the bridge.) Always make an appointment to speak to your dentist before you do anything that may cause damage.
