Durable Restorations for Lost Teeth: Dental Bridge in Portland Center for Dentistry

Tooth loss impacts daily life, including eating and speaking, oral balance, and chewing function. Our practice at Portland Center for Dentistry provides dental bridges as an enduring solution to fill the gaps left by lost teeth and provide dental support. Conveniently based in Portland, Maine, our practice offers thorough restorative treatment with personal attention.

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Learning About Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that replaces a single or a few missing teeth. The bridge consists of artificial teeth—known as pontics—that are anchored in place by crowns on adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges prevent surrounding teeth from shifting and help maintain proper alignment by spanning the space where teeth are absent.

This type of treatment is especially suitable for patients who need a non-removable alternative to partial dentures. It fills gaps between teeth, tightens up the bite, and avoids problems such as uneven wear, jaw strain, or additional tooth loss.

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When Is a Dental Bridge Necessary?

Dental bridges are typically prescribed in a variety of situations, such as:

• To replace one missing tooth
• To fill gaps for several missing teeth in a row
• To prevent the drifting out of alignment of teeth on one or both sides of a gap
• To evenly distribute biting forces throughout the mouth
• To retain adjacent tissues and preserve facial form

Loss of a single tooth can result in insidious oral problems, misalignment, abnormal bites, and loss of jawbone structure. A well-aligned dental bridge provides support and protection to the supporting teeth.

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Types of Dental Bridges

Portland Center for Dentistry offers the following dental bridges based on your specific situation, personal preference, and mouth status.

1. Traditional Bridge

It is the most popular one, whereby one or more pontics are supported on crowns of one or more adjacent natural teeth to fill the space. Traditional bridges are long-lasting, old-fashioned, and appropriate for patients with healthy teeth and limited space.

2. Cantilever Bridge

Applied where a single adjacent natural tooth is present, for only one, this is anchored by a crown on one side. While not as popular, cantilever bridges work adequately in regions of the mouth that see little pressure from where teeth meet.

3. Maryland Bonded Bridge

Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, it entails attaching the artificial tooth to the posterior of neighboring teeth with metal or porcelain wings. It is a conservative treatment that causes little disturbance to the adjacent teeth.

4. Implant-Supported Bridge

An implant-supported bridge is more stable and secure for individuals who have lost a series of teeth. Rather than being supported on natural teeth, the bridge is attached to dental implants inserted into the jawbone. It is a more complex procedure, but with a very long-lasting outcome.

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The Treatment Process

Acquiring a dental bridge in Portland Center for Dentistry is a sequential process to ensure accuracy and comfort.

Initial Consultation

Dr. Lee will study your gums and X-ray and evaluate the structure of the surrounding teeth. Based on the assessment, a personal treatment plan will be developed to specify the type of bridge most appropriate for your case.

Tooth Preparation

In traditional bridges, the side teeth of the gap (abutment teeth) are prepared for dental crowns. Impressions of the teeth are then taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where the bridge is ready.

Temporary Bridge

During the fabrication of the permanent bridge, a temporary bridge is placed to cover the prepared teeth and to provide spacing.

Final Placement

Once the bridge is complete, Dr. Lee will remove the temporary one and insert the permanent one, making adjustments for fit, bite, and comfort. The bridge will then be cemented firmly into position.

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Why choose Portland Center for Dentistry?

Restorative dental treatment at Portland Center for Dentistry is done with precision and personalized care. Patients are treated by Dr. Hsin-Chiang Lee, DDS, MSD, a committed dentist who focuses on function, comfort, and long-term outcome with every procedure. All details are designed for your dental structure and health requirements, from consultation to final placement.

We offer comprehensive evaluations and ensure that every dental bridge fits perfectly and fortifies your general oral health. Whether you're a new patient to dental restorations or require a replacement for a previous one, we'll guide you through the process from start to completion.

Visit Us in Portland, Maine

If you're experiencing missing teeth and need a solid, comfortable solution, you may wish to ask about a dental bridge. At Portland Center for Dentistry, we blend quality with state-of-the-art skills to close gaps in confidence and accuracy.