Dental Bridges in Middlebury, VT

If one or more of your teeth are missing, it's not just a cosmetic problem — gaps in your teeth can cause your remaining teeth to shift out of place. This can result in unnecessary tension in your bite, increased pain when you chew, or even impairment of speech. A dental bridge restores the health and appearance of your smile by filling in gaps with a false tooth supported by either crowns, dental implants, or both. At Lincoln Peak Dental in Middlebury, VT, dentist Dr. Brian Saltzman offers custom-made bridges with high-quality materials that will help to give you back your smile. If you have missing teeth, please schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Saltzman to learn about your restoration options with a custom bridge.

Missing teeth are not just a cosmetic problem — spaces in your teeth can heavily impact the health of your mouth. The fact is that your mouth is balanced carefully and a gap may affect how well you can use it. Over time, gaps may lead to teeth shifting, causing problems with your bite (underbite, overbite, or crossbite) and atrophy of the gums and jawbone. A dental bridge requires the surrounding teeth to be healthy enough to support the restoration, with good jawbone density and gum tissue. Dr. Saltzman will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw at your consultation to help you decide on the best bridge type and material.

After your supporting teeth are filed down, Dr. Saltzman will take digital images and dental impressions so your custom bridge can be created. If needed, a temporary bridge may be used while your custom one is being made. Once your bridge is ready, your mouth will be prepped with a numbing agent. Other sedation options can be discussed for fears, anxieties, or a strong gag reflex to help keep you calm during the procedure. Your custom bridge will either be glued into its position or connected to dental implants, depending on the support you and Dr. Saltzman selected during your consult. Dr. Saltzman will adjust the position of the bridge so it is comfortable and remains in place.

After your dental bridge is in place, you should notice an improvement in the appearance and function of your teeth. You may need a second visit at Lincoln Peak Dental to adjust your bridge's fit if it feels loose after it is placed. Dr. Saltzman or an assistant on his team will show you how to maintain your bridge, including the best way to keep it clean and any foods to avoid. It's crucial to regularly clean your bridge and mouth because decay can develop under the bridge. With proper care, your custom bridge may stay in place for many years. You will still need to schedule appointments at Lincoln Peak Dental to get annual dental exams and bi-annual dental cleanings to maintain the oral health of your mouth. During your dental exam, Dr. Saltzman can check the wear and health of your custom bridge to determine if it should be replaced or repaired.

Bridges and other dental restorations are usually covered, in part, by dental insurance. A member of our team will contact your dental insurance company to determine your coverage and determine your out-of-pocket costs. Lincoln Peak Dental accepts several forms of payment, including financing options, that may be talked about during your consultation with Dr. Saltzman.

Even if you don't mind the way your smile looks with a gap, it can cause issues for your entire mouth if you don't seek treatment. Make an appointment with dentist Dr. Brian Saltzman to get more information about dental bridges and how we can help restore your oral health and meet your smile goals. Lincoln Peak Dental is proud to offer high-quality dental restorations that can help improve the health and appearance of your mouth. Contact our office in Middlebury, VT to make your consultation.