Dental Bridges in Winston-Salem, NC

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a restoration used to fill the space left by one or more missing teeth. It features replacement teeth, called pontics, which are securely supported by neighboring natural teeth or dental implants on both sides of the gap.

Bridges not only restore the appearance of your smile but also prevent surrounding teeth from shifting out of place, which can lead to bite issues and jaw problems—something we also help address through solutions like Invisalign.

Advantages of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges offer a variety of benefits, including:

Restoring Your Smile: Fill in gaps left by missing teeth for a natural, beautiful appearance.

Improving Chewing and Speaking: Bridges allow you to chew food comfortably and speak clearly without interruptions.

Maintaining Facial Structure: Missing teeth can cause facial sagging; bridges help maintain your natural facial contours.

Preventing Shifting Teeth: Gaps from missing teeth can cause neighboring teeth to drift out of alignment, leading to further dental issues.

Built for Long-Term Use: With the right care, dental bridges can provide lasting strength and support, much like our durable dentures and other restorative solutions.

Types of Dental Bridges We Offer

At Encore Dental Studio, we provide several types of dental bridges tailored to your unique needs:

• Traditional Dental Bridges
  Description: The most common type of bridge, supported by dental crowns placed over natural teeth on either side of the gap.
  Best for: Patients with healthy, natural teeth surrounding the missing tooth.
• Cantilever Bridges
  Description: A bridge supported by a dental crown on just one side of the missing tooth.
  Best for: Areas where only one adjacent tooth is available for support.
• Maryland Bonded Bridges
  Description: A conservative option using metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back of adjacent teeth.
  Best for: Replacing front teeth or when minimal alteration to natural teeth is preferred.
• Implant-Supported Bridges
  Description: Dental implants are used to support the bridge, offering unmatched stability and long-term results.
  Best for: Patients missing multiple teeth and seeking a durable, implant-based solution that can complement other treatments like inlays & onlays.

What to Expect: The Dental Bridge Process

At Encore Dental Studio, we make the dental bridge process smooth and stress-free:

1. Initial Consultation: During your visit, our team will evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine the best bridge option for you.
2. Tooth Preparation: The teeth next to the gap are shaped to hold crowns for a traditional bridge. Detailed impressions are captured to craft your custom bridge.
3. Temporary Bridge Placement: While your permanent bridge is crafted, we’ll place a temporary bridge to protect your teeth and gums.
4. Permanent Bridge Placement: Once ready, your custom bridge will be securely placed, adjusted for comfort, and polished for a natural look.
5. Follow-Up Care: We’ll schedule a follow-up visit to ensure your bridge fits perfectly and functions properly.

How Many Years Can a Dental Bridge Last?

A dental bridge can serve you well for 10 to 15 years or more with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. To help preserve your bridge:

• Brush and floss daily, including around the bridge area.
• Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.
• Avoid chewing hard objects, like ice or pens, that can damage your bridge.

Our team will provide personalized care instructions to help you enjoy a healthy, long-lasting smile.