Dental Bridges in Smithtown, NY

If one or more of your teeth is missing, it's more than just an issue of appearance — missing teeth can cause your remaining teeth to shift, which can lead to more tension when you bite, increased pain when you chew, or even trouble speaking. A dental bridge is used to improve the appearance and health of your mouth by covering gaps using a false tooth that is supported by either your natural teeth, dental implants, or both. At NowDental of Suffolk, our dental team offers custom-made bridges to adults and children in Hauppauge, Stony Brook, and surrounding New York communities with top-quality materials to help give you back your beautiful smile. If you have missing teeth, please schedule an appointment at our Smithtown, NY office to get more information about your treatment options with dental bridges.

Your mouth is carefully balanced by your teeth and a gap can affect its function. With time, gaps can cause your teeth to shift, may create problems with your bite (underbite, crossbite, overbite), and can lead to atrophy of the gums and jawbone. To place a bridge, the surrounding teeth must be strong enough to hold the restoration with sufficient density in the jawbone and gums. We will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw during your exam and consultation to help you decide if you're a candidate for a dental bridge and what the best type of bridge and material will be for your needs.

After your supporting teeth are prepped and filed down, we will take digital images and dental impressions of your mouth so your bridge can be created. If needed, a temporary bridge or restoration can be placed while your custom one is crafted. Once your restoration is ready, the needed areas of your mouth will be numbed with local anesthesia. Other sedation options may be used for fears, anxieties, or trouble with a gag reflex so you will be calm during the procedure. Your bridge can be glued into place or attached to implants based on the method chosen at your consultation. We will adjust the fit of the bridge so it is comfortable in your mouth and stable.

After you get your dental bridge, you should have a noticeable improvement in the appearance and function of your teeth. You may need a second appointment at NowDental of Suffolk to improve the fit of your bridge if it feels loose in the first few weeks after placement. Someone from our team will show you how to maintain your bridge, including the best ways to clean it and if you need to avoid any foods. It's important to frequently clean your bridge and mouth because decay can develop under the restoration. If you properly care for it, your dental bridge can stay in place for many years. You need to continue to attend appointments at NowDental of Suffolk to get biannual dental exams and cleanings. During your examination, we can check the wear and health of your bridge to decide if it should be repaired or replaced.

Bridges and other dental restorations are usually covered, in part, by most dental insurance companies. A member of our team will work with your dental insurance to figure out your coverage and out-of-pocket costs. NowDental of Suffolk accepts several methods of payment, including medical financing, that may be reviewed at your consultation. We will help you select the best bridge type and material to fit your needs and budget.

Even if you don't mind the way your smile looks with a missing tooth, it may turn into an expensive issue in the future if you don't get it fixed. Make a consultation with one of our skilled dentists to get more information about dental bridge restorations and the options that match your specific needs. NowDental of Suffolk is proud to offer custom dental restorations that can improve the health and appearance of your mouth. Contact our front office in Smithtown, NY to make your appointment.