Dental Bridges in Melbourne, FL

When one or several of your teeth are missing, it's more than just a problem with appearance — missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift unfavorably. This can result in extra tension when you bite, increased pain during chewing, and even trouble speaking. A dental bridge restores the appearance and health of your mouth by covering spaces with a false tooth supported by either dental implants, your natural teeth, or a combination of both. At Sangiv I. Patel, D.D.S., PA in Melbourne, FL, experienced dentist Dr. Sangiv I. Patel offers custom-made bridges, crafted with top-quality materials via his CEREC 3D Restorative System, that will help to restore your beautiful smile with just a single in-office visit. If you have missing teeth, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Patel to learn about your restoration options with a custom bridge.

People with missing teeth don't merely suffer from an issue with the appearance of their smile — gaps between the teeth can have a powerful impact on your overall oral health. The fact is this: Your mouth is carefully balanced, and a gap can drastically affect its function. In time, a missing tooth can lead to teeth shifting, creating bite problems (underbite, crossbite, overbite) and atrophy of the gums and jawbone. A dental bridge requires the surrounding teeth to be strong enough to support the restoration, including sufficient jawbone density and gums. Dr. Patel will assess your teeth, gums, and jaw during your exam and consultation to help you select the best bridge type (traditional, cantilever, Maryland bonded, or resin bonded) for your needs.

After your teeth are prepped, Dr. Patel will take digital x-rays of your teeth so your custom bridge can be created with our office's CEREC 3D Restorative System. Once your restoration is ready that very same day, the affected areas of your mouth will be prepped with local anesthesia, but other anesthesia or sedation options can also be used if requested. The dental bridge will then either be cemented in place or attached to dental implants, depending on the support you and Dr. Patel selected during your consultation. From there, he will carefully adjust the fit of the bridge so it feels right in your mouth and remains in place.

Once your bridge is in place, you should notice an improvement in the function and appearance of your teeth. Dr. Patel or a member of his team will show you how to maintain your restoration, including the best way to clean it and if you need to avoid any foods. It is crucial to regularly clean your bridge and mouth since cavities can still develop underneath the restoration. With proper care, your custom bridge can last for many years. You should continue to attend your regular appointments at Sangiv I. Patel, D.D.S., PA for your annual dental exams and bi-annual cleanings. At your dental exam, Dr. Patel will evaluate the wear and health of your custom bridge to determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced after some time.

Restorations, like dental bridges, are usually covered partially by most dental insurance companies. A member of our team will contact your dental insurance to determine how much they will pay. Our facility accepts many payment methods, including medical financing, which will be discussed at your consultation with Dr. Patel. He can also help you select the best option for your bridge to fit both your needs and budget.

Even if you don't mind the look of a gap in your smile, it can lead to bigger issues if the problem is not addressed. Schedule a consultation with experienced dentist Dr. Sangiv I. Patel to learn more about single-visit CEREC dental bridges and what options will fit your specific needs. Sangiv I. Patel, D.D.S., PA is proud to offer high-quality dental restorations that can help improve the appearance and health of your teeth while optimizing quality and convenience. Contact our front office in Melbourne, FL to schedule your appointment.