Dental Bridges in the Virgin Islands

When considering dental care options in the Virgin Islands, dental bridges emerge as a standout solution for restoring smiles affected by missing teeth. Dental bridges are a popular and effective dental restoration technique that provides both functional and aesthetic benefits. We can help you understand and explore the essentials of dental bridges, how they can enhance your dental health, and what to expect when opting for this treatment.

At VI Dental Center, our experienced dentists offer comprehensive dental care, including dental bridges, tailored to each patient’s needs. Whether you are a resident or visiting these beautiful islands, our state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to quality care ensure that your dental health is in excellent hands. Feel free to contact us so you can schedule an appointment, gain answers to your questions, and much more.

What Are Dental Bridges?

All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and in maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn’t necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth, they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.

A bridge, which is a device that attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, is used to replace missing teeth. Bridges generally consist of crowns and artificial teeth. The crowns fit over your remaining natural teeth on either side of a gap where a missing tooth was previously. These gaps are then filled with artificial teeth, also called pontics.

The crowns and pontics work together with your remaining natural teeth, ensuring stable and long-lasting results.

Depending on your personal needs, your bridge will consist of one or more abutments and one or more pontics. This will also be partially determined based on the type of bridge you receive. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges), or they can be removable. 

Traditional Dental Bridges

Traditional dental bridges are the most common type, consisting of dental crowns and pontics bonded to the abutments. These are excellent options when patients have remaining healthy natural teeth on both sides of a gap.

Cantilever Dental Bridges

When a patient only has a healthy tooth on one side of a gap, a dentist is more likely to use a cantilever dental bridge. In this case, a crown or cap is only used on one end rather than both sides.

The bridge is bonded to the abutment tooth, and the artificial tooth extends or hangs across the existing gap. However, the design makes these bridges less robust than traditional bridges.

Maryland Dental Bridges

Also called resin-bonded bridges, Maryland dental bridges use metal wings instead of caps or crowns. The wings are bonded to the backs of neighboring teeth and hold the bridge in place.

A dentist typically uses a Maryland dental bridge to replace front teeth, partially because the metal wings are concealed. Unfortunately, these bridges can break and are not suitable for use on back teeth. They cannot withstand the pressure and chewing that back teeth perform.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges are similar to traditional bridges, but implants are an instrumental part of this dental innovation. Instead of being supported by natural abutments, the bridge is supported by implants.

Implants consist of a threaded post, typically made of titanium, implanted and integrated into the jawbone. When the post fully fuses with the jawbone, the rest of the bridge can be attached to the new, implanted tooth.

Dentists are more likely to use implant-supported bridges when a patient is missing three or more teeth. The entire procedure generally takes three to six months, but some cases take longer.

How to Determine Which Dental Bridges Are Best for You

Before determining which bridge option is best for you, a dentist will evaluate several factors about your health. Depending on your eligibility, your dentist can help you discuss your options, make decisions, and develop a general plan and timeline. While you may have a strong idea about which bridge may work well for you, your dentist will use multiple factors to make a final decision, such as:

• Age
• Number of teeth missing
• Gap size
• Condition of potential abutment teeth
• Whether natural teeth are on both sides of a gap
• Overall health of teeth and gums
• Preferences and lifestyle requirements of the patient

It’s important to remember that some health conditions may need to be treated before a bridge can be placed. Therefore, listening to your dentist’s recommendations for preparation and aftercare is essential. 

We also recommend that you go to your consultation with a list of your medications and supplements, allergies, any questions you have, past medical history, and other pertinent information. If you have any questions before your consultation, we can point you in the right direction. 

Contact VI Dental Center to Gain Access to Outstanding Dental Care

VI Dental Center is the step towards a beautiful, healthy smile. We can’t wait to meet you! If you’re facing the challenge of missing teeth, consider dental bridges a reliable solution to restore your smile. Our skilled dentists specialize in crafting custom dental bridges that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, improving your oral function and aesthetics. 

Our mission over the last 15 years has been to serve families in the Virgin Islands with the incredible experience they truly deserve. Whether you need cosmetic treatment, wisdom tooth removal, a root canal, orthodontics, or anything in between, VI Dental wants to serve you. You can reach us by calling our St. Thomas office at (340) 776-6056, our St. Croix location at (340) 772-6000, or completing our contact form. We’re your Virgin Islands dentist!