Restoring Function with Dental Bridges in Yorktown Heights | Dr. Lerner

Focusing On Your Whole Body Health

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A hole in your smile is never a positive thing. It negatively affects physical appearance, eating, speaking, and your overall sense of confidence and well-being. Let The Center for Holistic Dentistry bridge the gap between where you are with your smile and where you want to be!

A missing tooth or teeth can also cause jaw pain and bite misalignment. Without a full set of teeth, your other teeth tend to move into the empty space, causing unnatural alignment in your bite and jaw—which can be very uncomfortable and can lead to bigger headaches and TMJ/TMD problems.

Dr. Lerner shares how each tooth plays an important role in your health and everyday life, and how dental bridges can restore your smile and the function of your teeth.

Types of Bridges

Depending on your needs, there are three common kinds of bridges that your dentist may recommend. The difference between each type of bridge is how they are installed and secured.

The core of every bridge is the false tooth or teeth that replace those missing. Today these are usually made of quality porcelain and perform daily functions just as well as your natural teeth would-whether you are eating, speaking, or flashing a smile!

Bridges use the teeth on either side to secure your artificial tooth or teeth in place. Sometimes they involve a crown or two over these neighboring teeth and sometimes not. These neighboring teeth – called abutment teeth – are very important. The type of bridge you get will depend on how many abutment teeth are used in your bridge.

  • A traditional bridge is supported by two neighboring teeth, each covered in a crown. Your false tooth is suspended in place between the two crowns. Traditional bridges are the most common type.

 

  • Cantilever bridges are not as common but can be used when your missing tooth only has one abutment tooth nearby. Like a traditional bridge, the cantilever bridge uses a crown on the abutment tooth, bonded to the false tooth to keep it in place.

 

  • A Maryland bridge has no crowns on the neighboring teeth. This bridge uses metal wings on the side of the false tooth and bonds those wings directly to neighboring teeth for support.

Bridges vs. Dentures vs. Implants

When looking into tooth replacement options, you may wonder what the differences are between bridges, dentures, and implants. Bridges and implants are “fixed” dental restorations, which means they cannot be removed.  Dentures are generally removable.

Dental bridges are also usually cheaper than implants and they can look completely natural. Bridges are a good option if the teeth next to your gap would need a crown regardless, or if the gap has been there for quite some time.  Not every patient is a good candidate for implants, which require a very healthy jawbone and gums to install false tooth roots.

Getting A Bridge

To prepare your mouth for a bridge, the doctor will clean and shape any abutment tooth or teeth in the area your bridge will be placed. The abutment teeth are essential to the permanent fit and function of the bridge. Once you have a bridge, it needs to be cleaned and cared for just like your other teeth: brush twice a day, floss once a day, and come to see us twice a year.  If you’re ready to restore and improve your smile, contact us at The Center for Holistic Dentistry to make an appointment today!


Sources

http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/bridges-and-crowns/article/dental-bridges-and-oral-health?thumbparam=bridges-and-crowns/468776761

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-bridges

Your Top-Rated & New Favorite Dentist In Yorktown Heights, NY

"I can’t thank Dr. Lerner and his staff enough, notably his assistant Nicole for expertly handling my mercury filling removals.I had it done in 2 phases and they took very good care of me on both occasions. The whole office is very pleasant, so professional and I look forward to my visits. On this most recent cleaning appointment, Linda did my cleaning. She was gentle and thorough. Highly recommend."

- Vanessa R.

"Excellent experience during my initial consultation. The most complete examination I have ever had by a dentist, including full body muscle testing. This testing uncovered major alignment issues with my jaw which has been causing a lifetime of misalignment throughout the rest of my body. Dr. Lerner and his staff are outside the box thinkers and I am very happy I have found them."

- Greg R.

"Very professional and compassionate. Love the use of Nucalm, eye mask, calming music, and making removing my mercury fillings a pleasant experience. Well as pleasant as can be. Thank you!!!"

- Jodi B.

"Been seeing Dr Lerner since I was about 11 years old, I’m now 31! I continue to see Jane for cleanings and just did the zoom whitening treatment with them in preparation of my wedding- highly recommend!"

- Chloe L.

*The reviews listed are from actual patients of The Center For Holistic Dentistry. Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.

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What To Expect On Your First Visit

Our mission is to encourage full-body wellness through oral health while allowing you to feel heard and understand all your options. During your new patient exam, Dr. Lerner will spend time reviewing your health history, concerns, and goals. Your comprehensive exam will address items you may not have considered such as airway screening and dental materials sensitivity testing. We look forward to meeting you!

Comprehensive Review Of Your Health History & Concerns

Evaluation Of Teeth, Bite, Gums & Airway Passage

Low Radiation Digital X-Rays

Discover Your Options & Receive A Custom Treatment Plan