What’s the Purpose of a Bridge?
Each tooth has its own important role. Some are used for biting or chewing, others give shape to your face. When one is missing, the support that your teeth provide for each other is compromised. Before long, your remaining teeth, jaw joint, and/or gums will show evidence of breakdown, leading to a variety of cosmetic and functional problems. A bridge, or “artificial tooth,” can prevent these issues.
Types of Bridges
There are three main types of bridges: traditional bridges, Maryland bonded bridges, and Cantilever bridges. Traditional bridges are the most common type and consist of metal and porcelain or ceramic. Crowns are made for the teeth on either side of the missing tooth, which hold the suspended portion of the bridge, or the pontic, in place.
Maryland Bonded Bridges
These bridges consist of plastic teeth and gums that are upheld by a metal frame. Metal wings on each side bond to your teeth to hold the bridge in place. This option is more ideal for front teeth, as it can eliminate the need to grind down the teeth that surround the missing tooth in question.
Cantilever Bridges
These bridges are used if there’s only one supporting tooth beside side the missing tooth. These bridges still use two crowns to anchor the artificial tooth in place, but both crowns are on the same side. Cantilever bridges are just as stable and last just as long as traditional bridges. In some cases, they may even be more aesthetically pleasing.
How Bridges Are Placed
Placing a dental bridge takes several visits. During the first visit, the teeth are prepared for the bridge, which may consist of grinding them down to create room for crowns. Impressions are taken of the teeth and gums and sent to the lab to create the bridge. Meanwhile, and a temporary bridge goes over the teeth and gums until the permanent bridge is ready.
During the second visit, the permanent bridge is placed, but not permanently secured. Several follow-up visits are scheduled so that the fit and function can be checked first. Once you have the green light and the bridge is secured, good oral care will allow you to keep your bridge for up to 15 years.
Interested to learn more about bridges and if they’re a good fit for you? Schedule a consultation today.
See What Our Patients Are Saying
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Tammy Shannon“I came to see Dr. Standish on the recommendation of my grandmother and mother. Dr. Standish also made me feel welcome and answered all my questions. Eagle Harbor Dental is truly our family's dental choice for all dental needs. P.S. They have the MOST comfortable dental chairs I have ever sat in!”
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Susan Zittle“From the Front Desk to the Dental Assistants - Eagle Harbor Dental is the epitome of what and how a dentist should be. The trust we feel for the staff and Dentist at this office are UNBELIEVABLE! We just wanted to THANK them in writing so our whole world knows JUST HOW GREAT THEY ARE!!”
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Garry McGrath“Been going to see Dr. Standish for many years. My teeth were a mess when I first started and now I have no issues. I'm 67 years old, I have all my own teeth, and I'm good to go for a long time. Never thought it would be that way. Along with the great dental care comes the great people that work there.”
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Stephanie Saffles“What makes Eagle Harbor Dental amazing is the people who are awesome at what they do. The staff that work there actually make me look forward to going to the dentist. I moved to a different county, but still make the drive.”
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Teraesa Holloway“Love my Dentist office. Erin and Renee always go above and beyond to always make my visits a great experience.”
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Patricia Harrison“They handled every step promptly and professionally. They were very up front about options I had and what costs to anticipate. Hire with confidence.”
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Bon Schuler“The dentist used to be my least favorite place to go. I have been so blessed to find Dr. Standish & Dr. Kelly. They are phenomenal. I recommend them to anyone looking for a competent, professional, gentle and caring dentist! You will not be disappointed when you go there.”
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Jennifer White“Eagle harbor Dental is such so amazing, I have been going there for a while now and I have had alit if Work done recently. Everyone is so friendly and my dental hygienist which I see every time I go is amazing! She always makes me feel so comfortable. Thank you for being so great! ”
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Jim Billberry“Dr. Standish is a remarkable Dentist and he has an incredible staff. He has a wonderful personality and his staff follow his example. His office is very high tech, but he likes to refer to himself as "an old school Dentist".”
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Kirk Jaudes“I am happy to have found Eagle Harbor Dental, and their great team. My first visit was to outline options for some dental work and they were very thorough in talking through options and next steps.”
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Debbie Cusick“I had Dr. Standish recommended to me and I was immediately pleased with the recommendation, and the service received. Nice staff, lovely premises. treatments suggestions gone over thoroughly but nothing *pushed* on you. I definitely plan to continue coming here.”
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Herb webber“What a wonderful experience. Dr Standish and his staff are outstanding in every area. Beautiful facility. Could not have been more impressed.”
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Sharon Pieper“Been going there for ever. Even the people I have referred love them. They are friendly, professional and very knowledgeable about what they do. They have state of the art equipment which make procedures a breeze. Dr. Standish knows that I have had some work done.”
OUR DOCTORS
Meet Dr. Standish & Dr. Kelly
Dr. Standish has been serving Clay County patients at Eagle Harbor Dental for over 30 years. In 2013, his daughter, Dr. Kelly, joined the practice and they’ve been creating beautiful smiles together ever since. With extensive educations and memberships, our dentists are the best that Fleming Island has to offer.
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Insurance We Accept
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many appointments does it take to get a dental bridge?
How do I take care of and clean my dental bridge?
How long do dental bridges last for?
Do I have to take my dental bridge out at night?
(904) 269-6558
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