Dental Bridges in Ithaca, NY

Unlock a Confident Smile with Edward J. Ambis, DDS Center for Dental Medicine

Missing teeth can affect both your oral health and your confidence. Fortunately, our dental bridges in Ithaca, NY, provide a reliable and effective solution to restore your smile and improve your quality of life. These fixed prosthetic devices are anchored to neighboring teeth or dental implants, replacing one or more missing teeth to restore your ability to speak and chew properly while enhancing your appearance.

If you’re considering dental bridges, Ithaca restorative dentist, Dr. Edward Ambis wants you to know that you’re making a smart choice for your oral health. Call our Ithaca, NY, dentist office today at 607-272-1874 for a smile you can be proud of!

Why Choose Edward J. Ambis, DDS Center for Dental Medicine for Restorative Dentistry Services

Entrust your smile to a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience. Dr. Edward Ambis, holding a DDS from SUNY Buffalo School of Dentistry and a master’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology, brings a unique blend of expertise to his practice. His commitment to staying at the forefront of dental advancements is evident through his fellowship at the Resnik Implant Institute and active membership in the American Dental Association. This dedication ensures that you receive the most advanced and effective restorative treatments available.

Our Ithaca dental team has decades of experience in providing comprehensive care, from annual checkups to intricate dental implants and TMJ treatments. Situated in a serene residential area, our office offers a welcoming and comfortable environment where patients feel like family. Our team’s caring and knowledgeable approach emphasizes our commitment to personalized care. Our team is prepared to deliver results that restore both function and aesthetics to your smile.

By choosing our Ithaca dentist, Dr. Ambis, you’re not only selecting a highly skilled dentist but also a dedicated team that prioritizes your oral health and overall experience.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth. They consist of two or more dental crowns attached to either side of the gap where your tooth is missing. These crowns are connected to a false tooth, also known as a pontic, that fills the space left by your missing tooth.

A dental bridge can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, metal, or a combination of the two. Porcelain bridges are the most popular option because they look and feel like natural teeth. They are also highly durable and can last for many years with proper care.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are several types, each suited to specific situations:

1. Traditional Dental Bridge
   • Most common type
   • Consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics)
   • Anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutment teeth) using dental crowns
   • Ideal when there are healthy teeth on both sides of the gap
2. Cantilever Dental Bridge
   • Used when there’s only one adjacent tooth available for support
   • The artificial tooth is anchored to a single abutment tooth
   • Less stable than traditional bridges, mainly used for front teeth
   • Not recommended for back teeth due to increased stress on the supporting tooth
3. Maryland Dental Bridge
   • Also known as a resin-bonded bridge or adhesive bridge
   • Consists of artificial teeth supported by a metal or porcelain framework
   • The framework is bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, requiring minimal preparation
   • Typically used for front teeth replacement
   • Less invasive but may not be as strong as traditional bridges
4. Implant-Supported Bridge
   • Supported by dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone
   • Used when multiple adjacent teeth are missing
   • Doesn’t rely on natural teeth for support
   • More durable and long-lasting than other types
   • Helps preserve jawbone health
   • Costlier and requires a longer treatment process

Each type of bridge has its advantages and limitations. The choice depends on factors such as the location of missing teeth, the health of surrounding teeth, and the patient’s overall oral health and budget. A consultation with our Ithaca dentist is essential to determine the most suitable option.

Who is a Candidate for Dental Bridges?

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be a candidate for dental bridges. Bridges are a great option for people who want to restore their smile and improve their oral health. They can help prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place and can make it easier to chew and speak.

To be a candidate, you’ll need to have healthy teeth and gums. You should also have enough bone to support the dental crowns that will be placed on either side of the gap. Candidates for dental bridges should be dedicated to practicing proper oral hygiene and seeing your dentist at least twice a year for exams after you get your dental bridge. Lastly, if you have gum disease or tooth decay, Dr. Ambis will need to treat these conditions before placing your bridge.

The Dental Bridge Procedure

The process of getting dental bridges typically involves several visits to Dr. Ambis’s dental office in Ithaca, NY. During your first visit, he’ll examine your teeth and gums to determine if a dental bridge is right for you. If you’re a candidate, he’ll begin preparing your teeth for the bridge.

To prepare your teeth, Dr. Ambis will need to remove a small amount of enamel from the teeth on either side of the gap. This will allow him to place the dental crowns over the teeth and create a stable base for the bridge. He’ll then take impressions of your teeth, which will be sent to a dental laboratory to create your custom bridge.

While your bridge is being made, Dr. Ambis will provide you with a temporary bridge to wear. This will help protect your teeth and gums and ensure that you can chew and speak normally while you wait for your permanent bridge.

Once your permanent bridge is ready, you’ll return to Dr. Ambis’s office to have it placed. He’ll carefully adjust the bridge to ensure that it fits properly and feels comfortable in your mouth. Once the bridge is in place, you’ll be able to enjoy your new smile and improved oral health.

The Cost of Dental Bridges

The price of a dental bridge can vary significantly, typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. However, understanding the factors that influence this cost can help you better prepare for your dental investment:

1. Geographical Location
2. Materials Used
3. Type of Dental Bridge
4. Number of Replacement Teeth
5. Dentist’s Expertise and Experience
6. Dental Insurance Coverage
7. Additional Procedures (such as tooth extraction or bone grafts)

To get an accurate estimate for your specific case, schedule a consultation with our Ithaca dentist. They can provide a detailed breakdown of costs and discuss financing options if needed.

Remember: While cost is an important factor, the quality of care and long-term oral health should be your primary considerations when choosing a dental bridge solution.

Unlock Your Confident Smile: Discover the Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges can restore your smile and improve your oral health, but it’s important to take action to restore your smile now. Call our Ithaca, NY, dental office today at 607-272-1874 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how dental bridges can benefit you. 

You deserve to feel proud of your smile, and our team is here to help make that a reality. Don’t wait any longer to take the first step towards a brighter, healthier smile.