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3014 Baucom Rd #100 Charlotte, NC 28269

Dental Bridges Charlotte, NC

Are you missing one or more of your teeth? You may be a good candidate for dental bridges near you. This restorative treatment option can replace many consecutively missing teeth. Our dentist can even secure a dental bridge to either adjacent teeth or dental implants.

A dental bridge is a type of dental restoration that can replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of two dental crowns that our dentist places over your abutment teeth; on both sides of the gap. The pontics, or the false teeth, sit in between the crowns. Crowns and pontics are a single unit that complete the bridge.

We have your best options for dental bridges in our Charlotte, NC dental office.

Why Should I Replace My Lost Teeth?

Missing teeth can have a huge impact on your life. Missing teeth can affect your ability to eat and speak properly, and your self-confidence in your image. Patients have many reasons to replace lost teeth. Some reasons include improved oral health, improved appearance, and improved mouth function.

Not filling in the gaps left by missing teeth can result in multiple problems, such as:

  • Tooth Decay
  • Crooked Teeth
  • Shifting Teeth
  • Facial Sagging
  • Speech Problems
  • Difficulty Chewing
  • Difficulty Biting
  • Bone Loss

Replacing lost teeth is the best way to restore your smile and improve the quality of your life. We have a variety of options available for replacing missing teeth, including dental implants, bridges, and dentures.

Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks. So it’s important to consult with Dr. Reece to see which one is best for you. Replacing lost teeth will help you regain proper chewing function, improve speech clarity, maintain your facial shape and structure. It can even prevent bone loss in the jaw area.

Treatment with Dental Bridges in Charlotte, NC

Dr. Reece will evaluate your tooth loss or damaged teeth to determine if a dental bridge is the right solution for you. Our dental care team offers several types of dental bridges. Dr. Reece offers fixed bridges, implant secured bridges, and removable dental bridges at his Charlotte dental practice.

Removable Dental Bridges

Removable dental bridges are a temporary fix for missing teeth. Our dentist provides them to the patients who are waiting for their permanent restoration. If you currently have a removable dental bridge, we can provide you with recommendations after a dental exam.

Fixed Dental Bridge

Dr. Reece uses adjacent natural teeth to secure a fixed dental bridge. This option will require our dentist to reduce the size of those teeth to accommodate the crown portions of the bridge. Patients enjoy this option because the fixed bridge is permanent and looks more natural.

However, it does require permanently damaging two healthy surrounding teeth to place it. Also, those teeth will endure extra stress over time. We also call this type of bridge a traditional bridge.

Implant-secured Dental Bridges

A dental bridge that anchors to dental implants is the most stable type of bridge. An implant-secured bridge lasts longer than the fixed bridge, and does not involve harming any natural teeth. Dr. Reece will place at least two dental implants in the jaw bone on both sides of the gap. Then he will secure the bridge to the implants.

This treatment can help prevent further tooth loss, premature facial sagging, and provide a more permanent result. However, treatment time is longer and this option is more expensive.

affordable implant-secured dental bridge in Charlotte, NC

Dental Bridge Aftercare

The better you you take care of any dental restoration, the longer it will last. A dental bridge is no exception. You can make yours last fifteen years or more if you follow the following tips.

Watch Your Diet

Many types of food, candy, and snacks that can harm your new bridge. This includes hard items such as bones, shells, and hard candy. Also, overly chewy and sticky foods can pull at you bridge and dislodge it. Stick to softer and healthier foods that are easier to chew.

Avoid Chewing on Hard Objects

Just how you should avoid chewing on hard foods, you definitely should avoid chewing on hard objects. This habit is bad for your natural teeth and your dental bridge.

Chewing on hard objects, like ice, pen caps, or even fingernails, can cause damage to your healthy teeth. It puts excessive pressure and stress on the bridge as well. The added pressure can lead to cracks, chips, fractures and potentially loosen or dislodge the bridge.

Treat Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching

You should treat teeth grinding, clenching, and bruxism as soon as possible before getting a bridge. These habits can damage your dental bridge, especially if you do them while you sleep. You will need to invest in a night guard to protect your bridge and remaining natural teeth.

Call Your Dentist Immediately If you Damage Your Bridge

If you accidentally damage your bridge, call Dr. Reece right away. Even if you are not sure, it is best to have him look at it. You may notice obvious signs of damage such as cracks. However, you also may notice that the bridge is loose, slipping around, or is uncomfortable.

Be Gentle When Cleaning It

Cleaning your bridge simply requires a soft bristle tooth brush and gentle circular motions while you brush your teeth. This gentle cleaning tip will prevent you from accidentally damaging it. If you have a fixed bridge that you can’t remove, make sure to floss under it to keep your gums healthy.

Take Care of Your Oral Health

Taking care of your oral health should already be part of your everyday habit. However, it is especially important to avoid gum disease so that your bridge will remain in good shape.

Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. You can also use mouthwash to rinse your mouth. Schedule regular dental checkups with Dr. Reece.


Dental Bridge FAQs

If you know all there is to know about dental bridges, you can skip this section. If not, read on to learn more about them from our dental office in Charlotte, NC. The following are some of the most common questions about dental bridges and answers to them. Dr. Greg Reece believes that a well-informed patient experiences the best results.

Is the dental bridge procedure painful?

No, it is not painful because we will numb your mouth with anesthesia during the procedure. You should not feel discomfort or pain after the treatment as well. We can provide you with after-care instructions. You can manage temporary pain at home with over-the-counter pain medication.

How do you care for a dental bridge?

You should remove and clean a removable dental bridge at least twice a day. You should remove a removable bridge at night before sleep to prevent choking or discomfort while sleeping. When dental implants secure them, you can maintain dental bridges like regular natural teeth and do not need special care.

How long is the dental bridge procedure?

The dental bridge procedure usually takes two office visits. It takes about an hour to an hour-and-a-half procedure time during each visit.

However, the implant-secured bridges procedure takes a few months. This is because the first step involves surgically placing the dental implants, which will eventually fuse with your jawbone. Once this integration is complete, Dr. Reece will prepare the crowns and attach them to the bridge during the final procedure.

Can I remove a permanent fixed implant-supported bridge?

Yes, but only under special circumstances and only by your dentist. Your dentist may decide to remove a fixed bridge because of an accident, severe damage, or other emergency reason. However, this is uncommon.

See if dental bridges are right for you at Dentistry of the Queen City. Schedule a dental exam and dental bridge consultation in our Charlotte dental practice today. Call Dr. Greg Reece at 704-486-8911 or request a consultation online. Our dental team provides high-quality care to patients of all ages.