Cosmetic Dentist

Dental Bridges

Cosmetic DentistAnchor Point, serving Homer and Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

Having a gap where there should be a tooth is enough to make anyone feel self-conscious. If you think that you will never smile with confidence again, you’ll be happy to learn about the Anchor Point office of Jeff Bartley, DDS, where the latest advances in dental bridge technology make filling the gap easy, fast and affordable.

A missing tooth is not only a cosmetic concern. Missing teeth can affect your overall dental health by:

  • Allowing neighboring teeth to sink or drift into the space
  • Altering the bite between the upper and lower teeth
  • Leaving your remaining teeth and gums open to infection and decay
  • Causing your face to  ‘collapse’ for an aged appearance

A dental bridge is a long-lasting solution to the problem of missing teeth. Dr. Jeff Bartley can expertly craft your bridge to match the color and shape of your surrounding teeth so that your restoration is virtually undetectable.

How a Bridge Works

Bridges are tough, hard-wearing dental appliances with a metal or zirconia substructure. They can be ‘fixed’, meaning permanently attached by dental bonding to the surrounding teeth, or ‘removable’, meaning the patient must take them out for cleaning.

A cantilever bridge is the best choice when teeth exist on only one side of the open space. A resin-bonded bridge is more appropriate for front teeth.

The process of fitting a bridge varies from one person to the next, but generally includes:

  • Laser treatment to quickly and painlessly clean away soft tissue damage
  • Preparation of neighboring teeth to fit the crowns on either side of the bridge
  • Application of a mild anesthetic to prepare for fitting the new tooth and bridge
  • Creation of an impression to which the bridge will be molded
  • Fitting of a temporary bridge on the first visit, before your specially crafted bridge is fitted on the second visit.

Pros and Cons of Bridges

Bridges look very natural, and can be completed in just two visits. However, some patients find they are sensitive to temperature extremes for several weeks after treatment. Over time, decay can occur if the patient fails to follow the rules of good oral hygiene, but by doing so your bridge can last ten years or more. 

An even better option for replacing a missing tooth is a dental implant, which looks and functions just as well as a natural tooth.

If you have been living with an unsightly gap where there should be a beautiful, strong tooth, visit Dr. Bartley for a consultation. Our accessible, knowledgeable dental practice in Anchor Point serves Kenai Peninsula and Homer with family-friendly, full service dental treatments. Why travel far away to get the dental care you deserve? Please contact us today. Dr. Bartley serves patients in the Anchor Point and Kenai Peninsula area of Alaska.

 

(907)226-3700
Contact Us

34115 Sterling Hwy.
Anchor Point, AK 99556