Missing teeth can happen for a variety of reasons.

Decay, accidental damage, and other factors can cause tooth loss or make removing teeth necessary. Missing teeth can make eating and speaking difficult in some cases, and when those gaps occur in prominent places, they can significantly impact your self-image and self-esteem. Missing teeth can be a thing of the past, thanks to Dr. Robert Lesniak and his outstanding ability to get your smile back with dental bridges. St Albert dental bridge expert Dr. Lesniak offers excellent prosthodontic care to his patients, restoring smiles and improving lives.

What are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are restorative prosthetics used to fill in gaps caused by missing teeth. They are custom-made to fit each mouth individually to reclaim lost function and aesthetics. Bridges can effectively address several concerns, including:

Smile restoration
Restore function for chewing or speaking
Preserve the shape of the face
Properly distribute bite force
Prevent the drifting or misalignment of remaining teeth
Restoring your self-confidence

Dental Bridges involve the insertion of a pontic (or false tooth) into the gap where your tooth is missing, anchoring to remaining teeth, dental crowns, or dental implants. Pontics can be composed of a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, and plastic. Pontics are specially designed to closely match your natural teeth and fit your bite.

St Albert Dental Bridges model wearing white

Dental Bridges vs. Implants: Which is better for missing teeth?

Dental Bridges and implants each offer different advantages and can both be used to effectively restore your smile.

However, one option may be better suited for your unique needs and preferences. Dr. Lesniak will take the time to consider every aspect of your treatment to determine which option will provide you with the best results. The priority when receiving a dental bridge is replacing missing teeth to prevent further damage and to restore the full functionality and aesthetic quality of your bite. Dr. Lesniak understands that no two patients’ bites or situations are the same, and that optimal treatment means personalized treatment.

Types of Dental Bridges

Bridges are highly versatile and can be customized to work in a wide range of conditions, including replacing multiple teeth.

There are three general categories of dental bridges, generally grouped by how they are affixed inside the mouth. Each has advantages and drawbacks, and during your consultation for a dental bridge St Albert prosthodontist, Dr. Lesniak will help you to determine the right course of action.

Traditional Bridges

Traditional dental bridges feature one or more pontics anchored to remaining teeth at both ends that act as anchors (retainers) for the pontic. Typically, the abutment teeth are reshaped to receive crowns (full or partial, depending on condition). These can be configured to be fixed on both ends or to allow for some movement (“fixed-fixed” or “fixed-moveable”). Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridges used.

Cantilever Bridges

A cantilever dental bridge is only attached to an abutment tooth at one end of the retainer. A cantilever bridge is helpful when teeth on both sides of the gap are not suitable for serving as anchors. While these bridges are less commonly used, they do have the advantage of being easier to keep clean and maintain.

Adhesive Bridges

This type of dental bridge (also called a “resin-bonded” or “Maryland” dental bridge) attaches to abutment teeth via “wings” extending from the side of the pontic(s). These can be used in traditional or cantilever configurations and are ideal when the abutment teeth are healthy and undamaged.

How do I know if a Dental Bridge is right for me?

During your consultation for dental bridges St Albert Prosthodontist, Dr. Lesniak will thoroughly examine your condition and help you decide if a bridge is an appropriate remedy for you. Typically, dental bridges are recommended for patients in overall good oral and physical health who want to replace a missing tooth or teeth.

In your examination, Dr. Lesniak will also evaluate the condition of your remaining teeth, the suitability of potential abutment teeth, and your bone condition. In some cases, bridges may not be recommended, including:

The gap is too wide
Unconscious mandibular conditions like grinding
Teeth are misaligned
The position of the bridge will make it at high risk for poor hygiene maintenance
Allergy to materials

Even if one of the contraindicating conditions is present, Dr. Lesniak will work with you to determine a course of treatment that can address the adverse conditions and potentially make a dental bridge a suitable solution for you.

Dental Bridges Procedure

Your dental bridge treatment will consist of a thorough, comprehensive assessment and planning followed by your personalized procedure. During the planning phase of your treatment, Dr. Lesniak will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and bite, including x-rays, modelingImplant Overdenture, and detailed photographs.

Because prosthodontics at its core specializes in replacing teeth, it is crucial that we take every step needed to ensure that your treatment is consistent with every aspect of your care. In addition to visual examination and imaging, Dr. Lesniak may evaluate your dental records, previous procedures, medical history, and the functionality of your bite to ensure the most comprehensive understanding of your teeth’s condition.

Additional Reading

You will also discuss the details of your aesthetic preferences regarding shade, shape, and overall appearance of your pontics. Only once Dr. Lesniak has a full understanding of your needs and goals for your smile will he begin the process of designing your personalized St Albert dental bridges treatment plan. At this point, he will present you with detailed treatment options and, together, you will work out your procedure plan.

Following the diagnosis and treatment planning process, you and Dr. Lesniak will be able to outline the anticipated number of appointments and the objectives of each phase of care. Depending on your mouth’s condition, this plan may include other treatments to best ensure the success and longevity of your bridge.

Dental Bridge Results

The proper application of a dental bridge can make a significant improvement in a patient’s wellbeing. In addition to removing any impairment to speech or function, patients can also experience a newfound or restored sense of confidence and self-esteem.

With proper care and maintenance, bridges can be an excellent and predictable solution to your missing teeth. Proper hygiene practices are critical to prolonging oral health and the performance and esthetics of the prosthetic.

Dental Bridges Frequently Asked Questions

Do dental bridges hurt?

With a traditional and cantilever bridge, abutment teeth typically require significant reshaping. Anesthetic is used during this process, but it can still be painful after the anesthetic has worn off. In most cases, though, this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

There is also usually some discomfort in the first few weeks following the installation of the bridge. While pain is uncommon, the bridge can feel uncomfortable as your body grows accustomed to its presence.

What are the risks?

The risk of complications with dental bridges is low, and they are generally related to poor oral hygiene. Other risks are similar to those associated with preparing teeth, such as the need for root canal treatment.

If you begin to notice plaque buildup; bleeding, redness, or swelling of the gums; or other pain around the bridge, this can be a sign of deteriorating conditions. It is rare, but unknown allergic conditions to the materials used in a bridge can occur. Contact Dr. Lesniak if you begin to notice any adverse effects.

How much do dental bridges cost?

The cost of dental bridges varies widely, as each patient presents different needs. We offer financing options to help you achieve the smile you deserve.

Does my insurance cover it?

Some dental insurance plans will cover at least a portion of the cost of a dental bridge. We recommend you inquire from your insurance provider before your consultation with Dr. Lesniak.

Brilliant Smiles. Unmatched Professionalism

St. Albert and Edmonton Implant Dentistry

For results you will love for years to come, turn to the prosthodontic dental skills of Dr. Robert Lesniak. Dr. Lesniak operates out of St. Albert. Conveniently located just north of the Anthony Henday, Dr. Lesniak makes sure each new patient is treated like family and receives undivided attention and impeccable care. Schedule your consultation today and get the smile you’ve been waiting for so long to share with the world!

202-225 Carleton Drive, St. Albert, Alberta

Dental BridgesSt Albert, Alberta

Bridges Before & Afters