29
May
Understanding How an Upper Dental Bridge Works
If you lose teeth in your upper arch, it can change everything. First, there’s the impact tooth loss has on your smile. But how you eat and even how you speak can also be affected. Dr. Rajni Kapoor at Mirage Family Dentistry has the solution you need: an upper dental bridge.
What Is an Upper Dental Bridge?
Dr. Kapoor can use an upper dental bridge to replace missing teeth. Dental bridges can be used for just one tooth, but they’re also effective if you need to replace multiple teeth. A bridge is made up of a false tooth—called a pontic—or a set of false teeth, anchored in place by crowns on either your natural teeth or dental implants. This structure restores your smile, but it also helps correct your bite alignment.
What Is the Difference Between a Traditional Fixed Bridge and an Implant-Supported Bridge?
When considering a dental bridge, Dr. Kapoor will walk you through how both types of bridges work.
- Traditional fixed bridge: This bridge is anchored by crowns on your natural teeth. Your teeth will need to be reshaped. This type of bridge is faster because you don’t have to wait for healing, which dental implants require.
- Implant-supported bridge: This bridge is secured to dental implants that are embedded in your jawbone. Implant-supported bridges are needed if your natural teeth are weak or otherwise compromised.
How Does an Upper Dental Bridge Work?
An upper dental bridge uses teeth as anchors on both sides of the area where you have a gap. These anchors hold the prosthetic tooth or set of teeth firmly in place. The two teeth are connected to the pontic to create a stable unit. Usually, these are crowns on your natural teeth, but dental implants can also be used.
Why Is It Important to Replace Missing Teeth with a Dental Bridge Promptly?
When you’re missing teeth, your jawbone starts to deteriorate. This is known as bone resorption. Over time, this bone loss can change your facial shape, along with making chewing your food harder. Also important, a bridge will keep your remaining teeth from shifting out of place. Taking care of this early will help you prevent all of these issues.
Before & After Results
Issue: Cracked and non-restorable top right lateral incisor needing an extraction and chipped and stained other upper front teeth.
Solution: Replace the missing lateral incisor with a Fixed Bridge using two front teeth and the right canine as anchors
What Can I Expect During the Dental Bridge Procedure at Mirage Family Dentistry?
Your dental bridge journey will look like this:
- Initial consultation: Dr. Kapoor will evaluate your oral health, including taking X-rays, to determine which type of upper dental bridge is best for you.
- Preparing the tooth: If you’re getting a traditional bridge, she will gently reshape the teeth so they can support the dental crowns.
- Take impressions: The team will take impressions of your mouth to create a custom-fitted bridge.
- Temporary bridge placed: You’ll receive a temporary bridge while you wait for your permanent bridge to be ready.
- Bridge placement: Once your permanent bridge is ready, you’ll go back to Mirage Family Dentistry to have it placed.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (757) 856-5545 | Existing Patients: (757) 384-9383
Request an Appointment
How Do I Schedule an Appointment to Get an Upper Dental Bridge in Yorktown, VA?
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Rajni Kapoor, you can use our online form or call (757) 856-5545. Conveniently located at 135 Grafton Station Lane, Suite B-C, Yorktown, Virginia 23692, Mirage Family Dentistry’s friendly team will guide you through your process and answer any questions you may have.
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Dr. Rajni Kapoor
Dr. Rajni Kapoor, DDS, is a highly skilled and compassionate dentist with over 20 years of experience. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Dental Sciences in 1998 in India, followed by a DDS from NYU College of Dentistry in 2013. Dedicated to personalized patient care, Dr. Kapoor founded Mirage Family Dentistry after gaining valuable experience in corporate dentistry. She is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and holds memberships in the American Dental Association (ADA), Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and other prestigious organizations. Dr. Kapoor’s commitment to continuous learning ensures she provides comprehensive, cutting-edge dental care with integrity and compassion.
