Dental Bridge Pictures

Here at our Charlotte NC dentist office, while dental implants are preferred for replacing missing teeth, sometimes a dental bridge is a better choice.  With all-ceramic, metal-free dental bridges now available and extremely strong, they look and feel great. Just look at Michael’s Smile Makeover here: can you tell which tooth/teeth are a bridge?

Dental bridge and crowns, cosmetic dentistry, charlotte nc

Reasons to Do a Dental Bridge

When should you choose a dental bridge instead of an implant?

  1. If there are no more than 2 missing teeth in a row. The longer a bridge is, the faster it will fail, so just 1 or 2 teeth is ideal.
  2. When the teeth around the missing space also need dental work due to cavities or other failing dental work, you can fix multiple problems with 1 solution
  3. If there is a lot of bone and gum tissue missing and it would require a lot of bone and gum grafting to build it back up enough for an implant.
  4. Replacing an old bridge that is failing.

Reasons to Get a Dental Implant

  1. When the teeth around the missing one are healthy, don’t grind off healthy enamel!
  2. There is plenty of bone to support an implant.
  3. If you have a high risk of tooth decay, i.e. get cavities a lot, since you can’t get a cavity on an implant.
  4. If you want the longest-lasting solution.  Implants usually last much longer than bridges.

Before-and-After Photos of Dental Bridges

Don’t forget that every single photo on SmilesbyPayet.com is of our patients and our work (unless noted for educational purposes).

Patient #1: Tara

Tara was unhappy with the old PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal) dental bridge on her top left teeth for many years.  Gum recession had left some of the metal edges exposed and unsightly.  In addition, she wanted to brighten her smile overall.  We replaced the old bridge and extended a couple teeth farther back to replace another missing tooth.

Patient 2: Delores

Delores came to us to help after part of her 20+ year-old bridge broke.  Since it was right in front, she was quite self-conscious.  We added a 3/4 porcelain crown on the second-left top tooth to straighten it and make her whole smile better.  With our CEREC Digital Impression system, our lab created a beautiful bridge and crown to give Delores her smile back.

Patient #3: T.Q

T.Q. came to us because of severe gum disease, which was treated with LANAP Laser Periodontal Therapy.  One of his left front teeth was too far gone though, so we extracted it.  The initial plan was for bone grafting and a dental implant.  Unfortunately, the oral surgeon couldn’t rebuild enough bone.  T.Q. decided not to try again, so it was time for a dental bridge.  Our dental lab created a beautiful porcelain bridge, and we gave T.Q. a great smile again.  I’m sure you’ll agree, it will be difficult for anyone to know he had anything done.  That’s our goal – we make your smile look so natural, no one knows it isn’t!

 

To make an appointment for a Complimentary Consultation:

Request an Appointment Online or call us at 704-364-7069.

We’ll look forward to meeting you soon!