Dental Bridges Merritt Island, FL

Dental bridges in Merritt Island, FL offer a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth, restoring proper bite function, improving appearance, and supporting long-term oral health with natural-looking results.

Missing one or more teeth can affect how you eat, speak, and feel about your smile. The empty space left by tooth loss creates challenges that extend beyond appearance, impacting your ability to enjoy meals and engage confidently in conversations. Over time, neighboring teeth may shift into the gap, causing alignment issues and creating additional dental concerns that compound the original problem.

At Viera Dental Arts, Dr. Gollob helps patients throughout Merritt Island and Brevard County restore their smiles with restorative dentistry solutions. With years of experience in adult restorative dentistry and a commitment to using quality materials from trusted US-based laboratories, the practice provides personalized care that addresses both the functional and aesthetic concerns of tooth loss.

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The natural teeth, called abutments, receive crowns that support the replacement teeth in between. This creates a strong, stable restoration that fills the space and prevents the complications associated with missing teeth.

Traditional Bridges

Traditional bridges use crowns on both sides of the gap to hold the artificial teeth in place. This approach works well when you have healthy, natural teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. The crowns are custom-made to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size, ensuring the bridge blends seamlessly with your smile.

Cantilever Bridges

When only one natural tooth sits next to the gap, a cantilever bridge may be an option. This type uses a single crown on one side to support the replacement tooth. While less common than traditional bridges, cantilever bridges can work effectively in specific situations where the forces of chewing won’t place excessive stress on the supporting tooth.

Maryland Bridges

Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth rather than requiring full crowns. This conservative approach preserves more of your natural tooth structure. However, Maryland bridges typically work best for front teeth, where chewing forces are less intense than in the back of the mouth.

The Bridge Placement Process

Getting a dental bridge typically requires two appointments. During your first visit, Dr. Gollob prepares the abutment teeth by removing a portion of the enamel to make room for the crowns. He then takes impressions that a dental laboratory uses to create your custom bridge. You receive a temporary bridge to wear while your permanent restoration is being made.

At your second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed, and the permanent bridge is checked for fit and appearance. Once you and Dr. Gollob are satisfied with how it looks and feels, the bridge is permanently cemented into place. The office’s intraoral cameras and digital imaging technology help ensure precise results throughout this process.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges offer several advantages for patients dealing with tooth loss. The restoration fills the visible gap in your smile, improving your appearance and confidence. Bridges also restore your ability to chew effectively, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of foods without discomfort or difficulty.

The support provided by a bridge prevents remaining teeth from shifting out of position. When teeth move into empty spaces, they can create bite problems and make cleaning more difficult, increasing your risk for decay and gum disease. A bridge maintains proper spacing and helps distribute chewing forces evenly across your teeth.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

Proper care helps your bridge last for many years. Brush twice daily and floss carefully around the bridge, using special floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean beneath the replacement teeth. Regular dental checkups allow Dr. Gollob to monitor the bridge and surrounding teeth, catching any potential issues early.

Avoid using your bridge to crack nuts, chew ice, or bite hard objects that could damage the restoration. While bridges are strong, they function best when treated with reasonable care. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom mouthguard can protect both your bridge and your natural teeth from excessive wear.

Bridge Alternatives to Consider

While bridges work well for many patients, other options may better suit your specific situation. Dental implants replace both the tooth root and crown without requiring modification of adjacent teeth. Implants preserve more natural tooth structure and may last longer than bridges, though they require surgery and a longer treatment timeline.

Partial dentures offer a removable option for replacing multiple teeth. These appliances cost less than bridges or implants but require daily removal for cleaning and may feel less stable during eating and speaking. The best choice depends on factors like your oral health, budget, time considerations, and personal preferences.

When Bridges May Not Be Suitable

Bridges require healthy teeth on either side of the gap to serve as abutments. If these teeth have significant decay, cracks, or insufficient structure, they may not provide adequate support for a bridge. Patients with advanced gum disease may need periodontal treatment before getting a bridge to ensure the supporting teeth remain stable.

The number and location of missing teeth also affect whether a bridge is the right choice. Bridges work best for replacing one to three consecutive teeth. Larger gaps may require alternative solutions like implants or partial dentures for optimal function and longevity. Dental crowns can often be used in combination with bridges to restore damaged teeth.

Schedule Your Consultation at Viera Dental Arts

Dr. Gollob evaluates each patient’s unique situation to recommend the most appropriate treatment for replacing missing teeth. During your consultation, he examines your oral health, discusses your goals and concerns, and explains the options available to restore your smile. The practice accepts most dental insurance plans and offers flexible payment options to make quality care accessible.

The office’s convenient location serves patients throughout Merritt Island, Melbourne, and the surrounding Brevard County area. Every dental chair features a TV displaying relaxing images to help you feel comfortable during your visit. Contact Viera Dental Arts today to schedule your appointment and learn how dental bridges can restore your smile’s function and appearance.