Beautiful Dental Bridges in Ballston, Arlington, VA

Dental bridges serve both practical and aesthetic purposes and are a great alternative to partial dentures. Able to replace multiple teeth in a row, they provide an effective solution to those with unwanted gaps in their smile. At My Face My Smile, we create custom bridges for Arlington residents to help them enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile they're proud to show off.

Shahrokh Soltani, DMD, and his team know that everyone's dental needs are unique, and we offer various types of bridges to ensure that you receive the treatment that best fits your situation, goals, and lifestyle. If you're ready to say goodbye to gaps in your smile, schedule a visit and find out more about our dental bridges today!

CALL US: (703) 294-6144 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

Types of Dental Bridges

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth and can be made of different materials, such as porcelain, metal alloys, or gold. The strength and appearance of a dental bridge depend on the material, and porcelain is a popular choice. If you are missing one or more teeth due to physical injury or tooth decay, there are four types of dental bridges our Arlington team may recommend. These are:

• Traditional Dental Bridges– The default bridge style for many dentists, traditional dental bridges consist of one or more prosthetic teeth (pontics) and are held in place by dental crowns. They are used when you have natural teeth on both sides of your missing tooth or teeth. This type of bridge is quite strong and is sturdy enough to replace molars.

• Cantilever Bridges– Unlike traditional dental bridges, this type is supported by only one natural tooth next to the missing tooth or teeth. It requires a similar process to traditional bridges but is less durable.

• Maryland Bridges– This is the most conservative approach to traditional bridges. Here, the bridges consist of a pontic held in place by a porcelain or metal framework. The framework is bonded on the back of the two teeth next to the gap. This is a popular option when replacing a single front tooth, as the impact on neighboring teeth is minimal.

• Implant-Supported Bridges– Instead of being supported by frameworks or crowns, these bridges are supported by dental implants. Many patients prefer this option for its comfort and sturdiness. However, it takes at least five months to complete the procedure, as the implant needs time to bond to the jawbone. Once bonding is complete, your new permanent bridge is easily added to your smile.

Is a Dental Bridge Right for Me?

Before recommending any dental bridge procedure or suggesting an alternative restorative treatment, Dr. Soltani first conducts a thorough assessment of your oral health. This includes a physical examination and x-rays of the jaw to fully understand your overall dental situation. This will help determine if a dental bridge is the ideal course of treatment and whether an extraction is necessary.

Afterward, Dr. Soltani will discuss the results from the assessment and the possible treatment options available. Once you've settled on the type of dental bridge that works best for you, the dentist will schedule your first appointment.

Getting a Dental Bridge in Arlington

During your first appointment, we will prepare your teeth for your new dental bridge. We use a local anesthetic before any work begins on the teeth to help you stay comfortable during treatment. Depending on the type of dental bridge you're receiving, we will prepare one or two adjacent teeth to support the bridge, known as abutment teeth. For a traditional bridge, the teeth are shaped to allow the bridge to fit perfectly. We will make impressions of the abutment teeth, which are sent to a lab to construct a dental bridge. We'll match the color of your bridge to your natural teeth to help it look as natural as possible.

Based on the condition of your teeth, you may need one or two dental implants to anchor the bridge tightly. This is particularly the case if the teeth on the sides of the gap aren't strong enough to support the bridge.

After the abutment teeth have been prepared, the dentist will fit a temporary bridge to protect the shaped teeth from damage. The temporary bridge will be removed once your permanent restoration is ready.

During your second appointment, we will remove your temporary bridge and thoroughly clean the abutment teeth before fixing your permanent bridge in place. Local anesthetic is also used during this stage of the procedure to ensure your comfort. After your appointment, we'll follow up with you to ensure your dental bridge is working well and fitting comfortably. 

How to Take Care of Your New Dental Bridge

After the second appointment, our dentist will recommend a couple more visits for follow-up. Dr. Soltani will monitor your oral health and suggest the best care and maintenance routine to ensure the dental bridge lasts. You'll also learn firsthand how to clean and floss around the new bridge properly.

Our dentist may suggest a few dietary changes to help you avoid potential damage to your bridge. For example, you may be advised to avoid hard and sticky food and snacks that could pull the bridge out of position. Similarly, sugary foods may cause tooth decay under the bridge, so you should minimize your intake and clean your teeth thoroughly after enjoying them.

Reliable Dental Bridges in Arlington

With the right dental bridge, you can restore a natural look to your smile, as well as the ability to chew food efficiently and speak clearly. When getting a restoration, it's important to have an experienced dentist who can customize their services to suit your unique needs.

At My Face My Smile, Dr. Shahrokh Soltani and his team offer specialized dental services with the highest standards of care and compassion. If you need a dental bridge in Arlington, book an appointment today, and we'll help you get back to enjoying a smile that's healthy and whole.

CALL US: (703) 294-6144 REQUEST APPOINTMENT