Dental Bridges in Houston, TX

Missing teeth are far more than just a cosmetic issue. They will lead to a host of dental problems, including difficulty eating, gum disease, bone loss in the jaw, and more. Your remaining teeth can move because of the gap created by the missing tooth or teeth. Shifting teeth can also cause temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder, or TMJ. Extra tension and pain can occur when you bite, chew, and even speak without all your teeth. A dental bridge by our general and cosmetic dentist, Dr. Michael Macaluso, consists of a prosthetic tooth or teeth that connect to other crowns. This type of restorative may be placed on a stable implant or crowns on either side of the missing tooth or teeth. It will hold the bridge in a fixed position. Bridges can replace one or several missing teeth and prevent further complications associated with missing teeth.

If one or a few of your teeth have fallen out, it is not just a problem for your appearance — gaps in your teeth will cause your remaining teeth to shift. At Michael A. Macaluso, D.D.S., PC in Houston, TX, we make custom bridges with high-quality materials. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Macaluso to learn about your treatment options with a custom bridge.

The spaces in your smile can heavily impact your oral health. In time, gaps may lead to the shifting of your teeth, causing problems with your bite (underbite, crossbite, or overbite) and producing gum or bone atrophy. To place a bridge, the surrounding teeth must be healthy enough to hold the restoration with good density in the jawbone and gum tissue. Dr. Macaluso will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw at your consultation to help you select the best type of bridge (cantilever, traditional, resin bonded, or Maryland bonded) and material (ceramic, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and metal).

Once your supporting teeth are prepped, we will take digital impressions so your bridge can be created. A temporary bridge may be placed while your custom one is crafted. As soon as your restoration is ready, we will have you in for another visit.

On the day of placement, the area where the bridge will be attached will be numbed. Stronger sedation methods can be discussed for anxiety to help keep you calm. Your dental bridge can be cemented into its position or connected to implants. Dr. Macaluso will adjust your bridge so it is anchored in a comfortable position.

You should have a noticeable improvement in your new bridge. You may need to schedule a follow-up appointment at Michael A. Macaluso, D.D.S., PC to modify the bridge. Your bite may feel different once you are no longer numb. We will teach you how to care for your restoration, including ways to keep it clean and the foods you need to avoid. It is important to regularly clean your bridge because decay can develop under it. When you properly care for it, your custom bridge may stay in place for several years. Please continue to attend your appointments at Michael A. Macaluso, D.D.S., PC for your annual dental examination and bi-annual cleanings. Dr. Macaluso will evaluate your custom bridge to decide if it needs to be replaced at your examinations.

Even if you don't mind the way your smile looks with a missing tooth, it may turn into bigger issues if it isn't fixed. Make an appointment with Michael A. Macaluso, D.D.S., PC to get more information about dental bridges and what options will fit your unique needs. We are pleased to offer custom dental bridges that can improve the health and appearance of your teeth. Contact our front office in Houston, TX soon.