Missing teeth can affect much more than the appearance of your smile. They may make it harder to chew comfortably, affect your speech, and allow nearby teeth to shift out of position. At Dehyar Dental, we provide custom dental bridges in Burke, VA, to replace missing teeth and restore a more complete, functional smile.
Dr. Elham Dehyar has extensive restorative dentistry experience, including approximately 1,000 dental bridge cases and 2,500 dental crowns. Our team combines this clinical experience with modern digital technology to create personalized treatment plans focused on comfort, function, and natural-looking results.
If you are considering a dental bridge to replace one or more missing teeth, call 703-764-0650 to schedule a consultation with our dentists.
*Individual results may vary. No guarantees of specific results can be made.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration designed to fill the space created by one or more missing teeth. A traditional bridge typically includes a replacement tooth, called a pontic, that is supported by dental crowns placed over the natural teeth on either side of the gap.
Depending on your needs, a bridge may also be supported by dental implants. During your consultation, our dentists will evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health to determine which tooth replacement option is most appropriate for you.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge can restore both the appearance and function of your smile. Benefits may include:
- Replacing missing teeth: A bridge fills visible gaps and creates a more complete smile.
- Improving chewing function: Replacing missing teeth may make it easier to bite and chew a wider variety of foods.
- Supporting proper tooth alignment: A bridge can help prevent neighboring teeth from gradually shifting into an open space.
- Maintaining your bite: Replacing a missing tooth can help preserve more balanced contact between the upper and lower teeth.
- Supporting facial appearance: Restoring missing teeth can help maintain the natural appearance and proportions of your smile.
- Providing a fixed tooth replacement: Unlike a removable appliance, a permanent dental bridge stays securely in place.
Who Is a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges may be an option for patients who are missing one or more teeth and have healthy teeth or implants available to support the restoration. Good gum health and a strong foundation are important because the supporting teeth play a major role in the long-term success of the bridge.
During an evaluation at Dehyar Dental, our team will examine the area surrounding the missing tooth and discuss your goals. We may also review other tooth replacement options, including dental implants or removable prosthetics, when appropriate.
Types of Dental Bridges
The type of dental bridge recommended depends on the location of the missing tooth, the condition of the surrounding teeth, and your individual treatment needs.
Traditional Dental Bridges
A traditional dental bridge uses crowns on the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth to support the replacement tooth between them. This is one of the most common options for replacing a missing tooth when healthy supporting teeth are available.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
In some cases, dental implants can support a bridge instead of natural teeth. Implant-supported restorations may be considered when several teeth are missing or when using neighboring natural teeth for support is not the preferred approach.
Dr. Elham Dehyar has advanced implant training and has completed approximately 400 implant restorations. This experience allows our team to evaluate both traditional and implant-supported options when planning treatment.
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Bridge
The dental bridge process is customized to the patient, but treatment commonly requires more than one visit.
Dental Bridge Consultation
Your first visit begins with an evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite, and the area where teeth are missing. Our team will determine whether a bridge is appropriate and discuss the type of restoration that best fits your needs.
Preparing the Supporting Teeth
For a traditional bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap are carefully prepared to support dental crowns. Local anesthetic is used to help keep you comfortable during this portion of treatment.
Digital Impressions and Bridge Design
Our office uses digital scanning technology to capture detailed information about your teeth and bite. These digital impressions help guide the design of your custom dental bridge so that it fits properly and blends naturally with your smile.
Temporary Dental Bridge
When needed, a temporary bridge may be placed while the permanent restoration is being created. The temporary bridge helps protect the prepared teeth and maintain your appearance between appointments.
Placement of Your Permanent Bridge
Once your permanent dental bridge is ready, our dentists will evaluate its fit, appearance, and bite before securing it in place. We will also explain how to clean around and underneath the bridge to help protect the supporting teeth and gums.
Dental Bridges Designed to Look Natural
A dental bridge is customized to complement the surrounding teeth. Factors such as tooth shape, size, alignment, and shade are considered when designing the restoration. The goal is to create a replacement that restores function while blending naturally into your smile.
At Dehyar Dental, our restorative approach is based on careful treatment planning, attention to detail, and personalized care. Each bridge is designed around the patient’s bite, surrounding teeth, and overall treatment goals.
How to Care for a Dental Bridge
Good oral hygiene is essential for protecting the teeth and gums that support your bridge. Although the replacement tooth itself cannot develop a cavity, the natural teeth underneath the crowns still require consistent care.
- Brush at least twice each day.
- Clean underneath the bridge using floss threaders, interdental brushes, or another method recommended by our dental team.
- Attend regular dental exams and professional cleanings.
- Avoid chewing ice or other extremely hard objects that could damage the restoration.
- Contact our office if your bridge feels loose, your bite changes, or you experience discomfort around the restoration.
Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants
Dental bridges and dental implants can both replace missing teeth, but they work differently. A traditional bridge relies on neighboring teeth for support, while a dental implant replaces the missing tooth root and supports a restoration independently.
Neither option is automatically right for every patient. Your oral health, the number and location of missing teeth, the condition of neighboring teeth, and your treatment goals all influence the recommendation. Our team can help you compare your restorative options and choose an approach that fits your needs.
Why Choose Dehyar Dental for Dental Bridges?
Patients seeking dental bridges in Burke, VA, benefit from a team that provides comprehensive restorative care in one office. We take a personalized approach to replacing missing teeth, with treatment plans designed around comfort, function, appearance, and long-term oral health.
Our office also uses modern digital technology, including digital impressions and 3D imaging, to support diagnosis and treatment planning. We focus on helping each patient understand their options so they can make an informed decision about replacing missing teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
How long do dental bridges last?
The lifespan of a dental bridge varies based on oral hygiene, the health of the supporting teeth and gums, bite forces, diet, and other individual factors. Regular dental exams and proper cleaning around the bridge can help protect the restoration and the teeth supporting it.
Are dental bridges noticeable?
Dental bridges are designed to blend with the surrounding teeth. Your restoration can be customized for tooth shape, size, and shade so that it complements your natural smile.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
Local anesthetic is typically used when the supporting teeth are prepared, which helps minimize discomfort during treatment. Some temporary sensitivity or soreness may occur afterward. Our team will explain what to expect based on your specific treatment plan.
Can a dental bridge replace more than one missing tooth?
Yes. Depending on the location of the missing teeth and the available support, a bridge may replace more than one tooth. Our dentists will evaluate the space, supporting teeth, bite, and bone structure before recommending the appropriate design.
How do I clean under a dental bridge?
Because the replacement tooth is connected to the supporting crowns, traditional floss cannot simply pass between the teeth. Floss threaders, interdental brushes, or other specialized cleaning aids can help clean underneath the bridge. Our team can demonstrate the best technique for your restoration.
Is a dental bridge better than a dental implant?
Both treatments can be effective ways to replace missing teeth, but the right option depends on your oral health, the condition of neighboring teeth, available bone, treatment goals, and other factors. A consultation allows our dentists to compare the advantages and considerations of each option for your situation.
Can I get a permanent dental bridge in Burke, VA?
Yes. Dehyar Dental provides permanent dental bridges for qualified patients in Burke, VA. After evaluating your teeth and discussing your goals, our team can determine whether a traditional or implant-supported bridge is appropriate.
Restore Your Smile With a Dental Bridge in Burke, VA
If missing teeth are affecting your smile or your ability to chew comfortably, a custom dental bridge may help restore both appearance and function. Dehyar Dental provides personalized restorative dentistry for patients in Burke, VA, with treatment planned around each patient’s individual oral health and goals.
Call 703-764-0650 today to schedule a consultation and learn whether a dental bridge is right for you.