Dental Bridge in Missoula, MT

The Van Buren Footbridge, located near the University of Montana, is a stunning structure that spans the Clark Fork River in Missoula. Decorating the railings of this bridge are countless locks, acting as reminders of couples’ love and connection to one another. At sunset, the twinkling lights adorning the bridge create a beautiful atmosphere, making the landmark a local favorite for romantics! While not quite as romantic, a dental bridge is a way to span the gaps in your smile. Like the locks connecting lovers, dental bridges connect your teeth and restore your love for eating and smiling.

At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we use both traditional dental bridges and implant dental bridges to replace missing teeth.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a restorative appliance made to replace missing teeth. Typically, a bridge is made of pontics, or artificial teeth that are bonded together to give the appearance of a seamless smile.

When missing one or more teeth, a traditional dental bridge replaces them using the remaining teeth on either side of the gap for support. Like a structural bridge, traditional bridges span the gaps in your smile to create a sturdy and complete arch of teeth.

These bridges can withstand the pressure of biting and chewing, effectively restoring the function of your smile.

Dental Bridge Options

When looking to replace one or more teeth, there are a variety of dental bridges at your disposal. The bridge you use largely depends on your remaining teeth and your needs. These options include:

• Traditional dental bridge: This type of bridge spans the gap in your smile by using the adjacent teeth on either side for support. On both sides of your bridge is a dental crown, or tooth-shaped cap that covers your entire tooth. By placing crowns on your adjacent teeth, the bridge is securely anchored in your smile, restoring its appearance and function. However, supporting teeth need to be healthy in order to support your bridge.
• Cantilever bridge: If you only have one healthy tooth, we may use a cantilever bridge instead. Rather than crowning two teeth for support, this bridge crowns only one, with a pontic attached like a balcony is to a building. Unfortunately, due to its structure, the restoration can only replace one tooth.
• Maryland bridge: For those who prefer to avoid altering their teeth with dental crowns, a Maryland bridge is an alternative option. This structure has wing-like attachments that secure it to your remaining teeth for support, without altering their enamel. However, a Maryland bridge is best used for front teeth and can’t support the pressure molars endure.
• Implant-supported bridge: For optimal stability and support, we recommend implant-supported dental bridges. Using dental implants that secure in your jawbone, these bridges are just as secure as the natural teeth in your smile, and replace multiple missing teeth in a row without issue.

To find out which dental bridge best suits your needs, you’ll need to come in for a consultation at Big Sky Dentures & Implants.

Understanding Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

Dental implants are titanium posts we place in your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. These roots are an important part of your natural teeth, responsible for securing your smile and stimulating your jaw to keep it healthy.

When you lose teeth, you also lose stimulation, causing your jaw to gradually lose mass and volume. Fortunately, dental implants act as artificial tooth roots, securing your smile and maintaining your bone structure!

At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we use mini dental implants, rather than conventional ones. These titanium posts have a small diameter, allowing them to fit in tighter spaces with less bone. Additionally, they feature a one-piece design that allows for easy placement of a restoration! If you’re missing multiple teeth in a row, we use implant bridges to bridge the gap in your smile.

With artificial tooth roots for support, these bridges are incredibly stable, allowing you to eat and smile with confidence again.

The Advantage of an Implant Bridge

Implant-supported bridges offer many advantages over traditional bridges, such as:

• Better bone health: Traditional dental bridges don’t impact your gums or jawbone, allowing your jaw to continue deteriorating. In contrast, implant bridges stimulate your bone every time you chew, keeping it healthy and full.
• Increased stability: Thanks to the incredibly strong connection titanium forms with bone, mini implants provide a secure foundation for your smile. Traditional bridges don’t have this same connection. Instead, they rely on your remaining teeth for support.
• Minimally invasive: Traditional bridges require altering your healthy teeth with dental crowns. While implants do need a small pilot hole in your jaw, they avoid disturbing your remaining teeth or enamel!
• Longer durability: Mini implant-supported restorations can last for years to come, especially when you take proper care of them. Traditional bridges have a significantly shorter lifespan and typically require replacement or repair before an implant restoration does.
• A more natural look: Implant bridges resemble your natural teeth and feature a sleek design. While someone may be able to notice your traditional bridge, implant bridges are much more aesthetically pleasing.

Bridge the Gaps in Your Smile in Missoula, MT

The Van Buren footbridge is a wonderful landmark of Missoula, MT, that locals love to visit. Like this bridge of love, a dental bridge provides connection and security! This restoration helps span the gap in your smile to create a complete look. Big Sky Dentures & Implants offers a variety of bridge restorations, but we recommend implant bridges for the best stability and natural-looking results.

Book a consultation to discover how a dental bridge helps your smile feel whole again.

Frequently Asked Questions