We are thrilled to announce the immediate availability of our secure telehealth video service! We now offer fully HIPAA-compliant video conferencing for our patients and friends that is:
Our new video chat service is completely safe and secure, fully protects the privacy of the patient, and works on Android and iOS, on PCs and Macs! The software is fully vetted and tested so that our patients and friends can rest assured that their protected health information will remain private and secure. All you need to have is a computer, tablet or smartphone with Web Cam and audio capabilities and a good internet connection! We are now scheduling appointments for new and established patients to video chat directly with the dentist to review your existing treatment plans and/or answer any of your dental need questions. Patients may schedule video chat appointments by calling our office and speaking with our staff available during business hours Monday through Friday.
Sincerely, W. Roger Long, DDS, PA Bethany T. Wierzbicki, DMD, MBA
You don’t have to spend the rest of your life with missing teeth interfering with your eating, talking, and even smiling. If you’re embarrassed because of the gaps in your mouth, you’ll want to take a closer look at dental bridges in Fort Pierce. Since this fantastic aesthetic treatment has four different options, we’ve rounded them up for you.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Bridges?
1. Traditional Bridge
This type of bridge comes with a filler tooth that “bridges” the gap. To support the bridge, the dentist places crowns over healthy teeth on both sides of the space in the mouth to serve as anchor points. Although traditional dental bridges are popular, they won’t work unless the two adjacent teeth are reshaped and fitted with dental crowns.
2. Cantilever Bridge
Unlike the traditional dental bridge, the cantilever dental bridge only uses a single anchor tooth to support it. A cantilever bridge works best if you have no healthy tooth on one side of your missing tooth. The dentist should carefully plan out a cantilever dental bridge placement to minimize the risk of destabilizing the supporting tooth.
In most cases, this type of dental bridge is placed towards the front of the mouth. Most dentists don’t use it to replace a missing tooth in the back of a patient’s mouth because it can put too much strain on the tooth that supports it.
3. Maryland Bonded Bridge
Also known as the resin-bonded bridge, this type of bridge usually replaces missing front teeth. Since the dentist uses a metal or porcelain framework to support the bridge, this eliminates the need for placing dental crowns on the adjacent teeth.
Although Maryland bonded bridges offer a more affordable solution to missing teeth, their stability depends on the strength of the adhesive. Moreover, their metal framework can potentially lead to tooth discoloration.
4. Implant-Supported Bridges
Since dental implants keep an implant-supported bridge in place, the dentist can replace multiple missing teeth. Compared to other options, this type of dental bridge is more robust, more durable, and more effective at restoring dental function. However, its placement requires an invasive procedure.
Considering Dental Bridges in Fort Pierce?
At Smooth Sailing Dental, we want to help you improve the appearance of your teeth, mouth, and smile. Contact us today to request an appointment.
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