Dental Bridges

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Teeth Replacement: From Gaps to Grins with High-quality Dental Bridges

Missing something like a tooth? Tooth loss can affect your quality of life, and simple activities like smiling, eating, and speaking can be a source of discomfort and embarrassment. Dental bridges in West Hartford or Avon, Connecticut, provide reliable and natural-looking solutions for missing teeth. Expertly administered at Blue Back Dental, dental bridges restore oral function and aesthetics to near perfection. Discover your healthy, beautiful smile with expert care from our dentists, Drs. Ted Wu, Liz Holzhauer, and Tim Holzhauer.

How do dental bridges work?

When you picture an architectural bridge, you envision a structure that connects two points, filling the gap between them. A dental bridge works in the same way. It spans an edentulous gap with an artificial tooth (or teeth) anchored by two healthy teeth or dental implants. Traditional bridges are reinforced with dental crowns for optimal stability.

A dental bridge doesn’t just fill the toothless gap. It restores oral function, enhances aesthetics, and prevents the nearby teeth from tilting.

The artificial teeth that fill the gaps in a dental bridge are called pontics and can be made from various materials, including gold, porcelain, and zirconia. Our office carefully selects materials that offer aesthetics and durability, ensuring your bridge looks natural and functions like your natural teeth.

What can I expect from the procedure?

Replacing your missing teeth should never be a hassle. Here’s the three-step process of restoring your smile with dental bridges.

Examination: The dentist will examine your teeth and gums to determine your eligibility for bridgework. Dental bridges suit many patients, but you must be free from cavities and oral infections.
Teeth preparation: To support the bridge, we will reshape the neighboring teeth (abutments) so they can securely hold dental crowns. This process is painless, as we administer local anesthesia for your comfort. After preparation, we take precise bite impressions, which are sent to a dental lab to craft your custom bridge and crowns. While your permanent bridge is being made, we will place temporary restorations to protect your prepared teeth.
Placement: Once your bridge is ready, the dentist will fit it in place and make any necessary adjustments for a secure, comfortable bite.

Are dental bridges worth it?

Dental bridges are a viable alternative to dentures and implants. Here are reasons you won’t regret investing in dental bridges.

Stability: Unlike traditional dentures, dental bridges aren’t removable. They remain fixed when eating and brushing, just like natural teeth.
Durability: Dental bridges offer a near-permanent solution for replacing teeth. With good oral hygiene, our dental bridges can last 10-15 years.
Aesthetics: Our bridges are made from natural-looking materials for a seamless appearance.
Enhanced oral function: Dental bridges restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile comfortably.
Optimal bite alignment: Bridges prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of position, maintaining your bite alignment.
Simple maintenance: Bridges are maintained the same as your natural teeth, so you don’t have to worry about cumbersome maintenance rituals.

Are you interested in dental bridges?

Please set up an appointment with Blue Back Dental at any of our convenient offices in West Hartford (860) 530-4900 and Avon (860) 406-5900, CT. Call and book your visit today!

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. Austin

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. Meltzer

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.