For a limited time, enjoy $1000 OFF smile designs (Includes: Exam, X-Rays)
- 561-733-0004
- Walk-Ins Welcome!
- 8188 Jog Rd Unit 104, Boynton Beach
- (561)-733-0004
- Location
For a limited time, enjoy $1000 OFF smile designs (Includes: Exam, X-Rays)
Replace missing teeth seamlessly with dental bridges in Boynton Beach, FL—secure, natural-looking restorations that restore your bite, enhance your smile, and improve overall oral function.
Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. This fixed dental restoration restores your ability to chew properly, maintains your facial structure, and prevents remaining teeth from shifting out of position. At Boynton Beach Dental Services, Dr. Eliseo Fiffe and Dr. Katiuska McIntosh create custom bridges that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth and provide reliable function for many years.
Missing teeth create more than just cosmetic concerns. Gaps in your smile allow adjacent teeth to drift or tilt into the empty space, disrupting your bite and making cleaning more difficult. Bone loss occurs in the jaw where teeth are missing, which can alter facial appearance over time. Our husband-wife dental team uses the iTero Scanner for precise digital impressions and works with skilled laboratories to fabricate bridges that fit comfortably and look natural. We serve patients throughout Boynton Beach and offer Spanish-speaking services to ensure clear communication throughout your treatment.
Traditional bridges consist of artificial teeth held in place by dental crowns cemented onto the teeth adjacent to the gap. These supporting teeth, called abutments, are prepared by removing some enamel to accommodate the crowns. Traditional bridges work well when you have strong, healthy teeth on both sides of the missing tooth or teeth.
Cantilever bridges attach to natural teeth on only one side of the gap. This design is used when teeth are present on just one side of the missing tooth, though it is less common because it places more stress on the supporting teeth. Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth, requiring minimal alteration to the supporting teeth. This conservative approach works best for front teeth that do not endure heavy chewing forces.
A bridge functions by distributing chewing forces across the supporting teeth and the artificial tooth or teeth spanning the gap. The crowns on the abutment teeth provide stability and anchor the pontic (artificial tooth) in place. This creates a fixed restoration that does not move or slip like removable partial dentures.
The bridge becomes a permanent part of your smile, restoring both appearance and function. You clean it like natural teeth through regular brushing, though special attention is needed to clean under the pontics, where food particles can accumulate. Floss threaders or interdental brushes help maintain cleanliness in these hard-to-reach areas.
Your first appointment involves examining your mouth and preparing the abutment teeth. Dr. Fiffe or Dr. McIntosh reshapes these teeth by removing a portion of the enamel to create room for the crowns that will hold the bridge. The amount removed matches the crown thickness to ensure a natural fit and comfortable bite.
After preparation, we use the iTero Scanner to capture detailed digital impressions of the prepared teeth, the gap, and surrounding teeth. These precise scans eliminate the discomfort of traditional impression materials while providing superior accuracy. The digital images are sent to a dental laboratory where technicians fabricate your custom bridge over two to three weeks. A temporary bridge protects the prepared teeth and maintains aesthetics during this period.
At your second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed, and the prepared teeth are cleaned thoroughly. Dr. Fiffe or Dr. McIntosh checks the fit, color, and shape of your new bridge to ensure it meets expectations. The bridge is tried in place and your bite is evaluated to confirm comfortable, even contact with opposing teeth.
Minor adjustments are made as needed to perfect the fit and appearance. Once everything looks and feels right, the bridge is permanently cemented in place using strong dental adhesive. You may experience brief sensitivity to temperature or pressure as you adjust to the restoration, but this typically subsides within a few days.
Well-maintained dental bridges typically last 10 to 15 years, though many patients enjoy even longer service from their restorations. Longevity depends on the materials used, the health of the supporting teeth, your oral hygiene practices, and the forces your teeth experience during chewing.
The supporting teeth remain vulnerable to decay, which can compromise the bridge even if the restoration itself remains intact. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene around the bridge protects the abutment teeth and extends the life of your restoration. If you grind your teeth, wearing a custom night guard prevents excessive wear on both your bridge and natural teeth.
Dental implants offer an alternative that does not require altering adjacent healthy teeth. An implant is placed in the jawbone where the tooth is missing, and a crown is attached to complete the restoration. While implants cost more and require surgery, they preserve adjacent teeth and prevent bone loss in the jaw. Dr. Fiffe’s more than 30 years of experience in implant dentistry make him well-equipped to discuss whether implants might be a better option for your situation.
Implant-supported bridges combine the benefits of both treatments. Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, the bridge attaches to two or more dental implants. This approach is often used when multiple consecutive teeth are missing and provides superior stability without affecting natural teeth. Removable partial dentures represent the most economical option but offer less stability and comfort compared to fixed bridges.
Dental bridges restore your ability to chew properly and speak clearly. Missing teeth make it difficult to bite and chew certain foods, often leading to dietary limitations. Bridges return full chewing function, allowing you to eat comfortably and maintain proper nutrition.
Replacing missing teeth prevents the drift and tilting of adjacent teeth that occurs when gaps remain unfilled. This movement can create bite problems, jaw pain, and uneven tooth wear. Bridges maintain proper tooth alignment and protect your oral health. The restoration also supports facial muscles and prevents the sunken appearance that can develop when multiple teeth are missing.
Dental bridges provide reliable, fixed solutions for missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance while preventing future dental problems. Dr. Fiffe and Dr. McIntosh combine careful technique with quality materials to create bridges that feel comfortable and look natural. Our practice uses digital impression technology and collaborates with skilled laboratories to ensure superior results.
Contact our office to schedule a consultation if you have one or more missing teeth and want to explore your replacement options. We evaluate your specific situation and explain the benefits and considerations of bridges compared to other restorations. Let our experienced team help you restore your smile and maintain optimal oral health through personalized, comprehensive dental care.
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