03
Nov
5 Things You May Not Know About Dental Bridges
Many patients in West Hartford, Connecticut, and Avon, Connecticut, turn to Blue Back Dental for modern and reliable restorative options when replacing missing teeth. Our doctors specialize in treatments that restore function and appearance, including custom dental bridges. While bridges have been a trusted solution for decades, there are quite a few surprising facts patients don’t always know about them.
Understanding these lesser-known details can help you make a confident decision about your oral health. Here are five things you may not know about dental bridges:
1. Bridges Do More Than Replace Missing Teeth
Most people assume a dental bridge only fills a gap in their smile. While that’s certainly important, bridges also help maintain the natural shape of their faces, prevent their other teeth from shifting, and even improve speech clarity. They provide stability and balance to their bites, reducing stress on surrounding teeth.
2. Dental Implants can Support Them
Traditional bridges rely on healthy teeth on either side of the gap for support. However, did you know that dental implants can also anchor bridges? Implant-supported bridges are incredibly strong, preserve natural bone structure, and offer long-lasting stability. For many patients, this option feels the closest to having their natural teeth back.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients:Â (860) 406-5900 | Â Existing Patients:Â (860) 233-9300
3. Bridges Can Last Over a Decade with Proper Care
Some patients worry that bridges won’t last long, but with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, many bridges function beautifully for ten years or more. Brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings at Blue Back Dental will help extend the lifespan of your bridge. Some patients keep their bridges for 15 years or longer.
4. They Come in Different Types
Dental bridges aren’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your needs, our doctors may recommend a traditional bridge, a cantilever bridge (which uses support from just one adjacent tooth), or a Maryland bridge that bonds to the backs of neighboring teeth. Each type is designed for specific situations, ensuring you get the most effective treatment for your smile.
5. They Can Improve Your Overall Health
Tooth loss doesn’t just affect your smile; it can impact your digestion, nutrition, and even your confidence. Missing teeth may make it difficult to chew properly, leading to poor dietary choices and digestive strain. By restoring your bite, dental bridges allow you to enjoy a balanced diet and better long-term health, all while boosting your self-esteem.
Restore Your Smile with Blue Back Dental
If you’re considering a dental bridge, let our compassionate team at Blue Back Dental in Avon, Connecticut, guide you through your options. We take the time to explain each treatment, ensuring you feel confident about your care. Our custom bridges are designed to look natural, feel comfortable, and maintain your smile’s health for years.
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back. Call our Avon office today at (860) 406-5900 or schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a complete and confident smile. You may also call our West Hartford office at (860) 530-4900.Â
Dr. Ted WU
Dr. Wu founded Blue Back Dental in 2006 and brings over 20 years of experience to our West Hartford and Avon dental practices. He loves getting to know his patients and then providing them with comfortable dental care in a relaxing and friendly environment. His goal is to show people that going to the dentist can be a positive experience when you’re in the right hands. He can’t wait to meet you and your loved ones, and below, you can learn a little more about him.
Dr. Liz
Dr. Elizabeth Holzhauer (called “Dr. Liz” by our patients) is passionate about providing genuinely caring and quality dentistry in an environment of belonging and purpose. She loves being able to help boost a patient’s self-esteem using cosmetic dentistry. She is grateful to have seen many patients gain confidence through smile transformations over the years through cosmetic dentistry in West Hartford and Avon, and she’s eager to do the same for you.
Dr. Tim
Dr. Tim is grateful for the opportunity to change his patients’ lives by improving their smiles and self-confidence through cosmetic dentistry in West Hartford and Avon. He strives to provide the highest quality care for his patients in a positive environment. It’s always fulfilling seeing a patient light up when they’re finally out of pain or get to look at their renewed smile for the first time. Before you have a chance to meet Dr. Tim in person, you can learn more about his background below.
Dr. AustinÂ
Dr. Austin grew up in Reno, Nevada and attended college at the University of Pennsylvania where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. Following college, she spent two years doing vaccine research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston before pursuing dentistry.
Dr. Austin graduated cum laude with her dental degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. After dental school, Dr. Austin continued her education by completing a general practice residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
Dr. MeltzerÂ
Dr. Meltzer is a periodontist in West Hartford and Avon who attended the University of Connecticut in Storrs from 1970-1974. He graduated magna cum laude and was accepted for membership in the Phi Beta Kappa honor fraternity. He received his DMD degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine in 1978. Dr. Meltzer attended a residency in Periodontics from 1978-1980 at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine where he received his certification in periodontology. He served as Chief Resident from 1979-1980.
Dr. Doherty
Dr. Doherty is originally from New York State. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, graduating magna cum laude with a double major in biology and religious studies. She attended dental school at the University of Connecticut, where she also completed a PhD in biomedical science in the area of skeletal biology and regeneration.
Dr. Javed
Dr. Reja Javed grew up in West Springfield, MA (home of the Big E!) and attended Smith College where she obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Neuroscience. Dr. Javed subsequently graduated with her dental degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. After dental school, Dr. Javed furthered her education and training in general dentistry by completing a general practice residency at Hartford Hospital.
