Welcome to Sage Hills Dental in Cody, WY

Dental Bridges

At Sage Hills Dental, we want our patients in Cody, WY, and surrounding areas to have healthy, happy smiles. One of the restorative options we recommend most often is dental bridges. If you are missing one or more teeth, dental bridges are a reliable and long-lasting way to restore your smile and oral function.

What are dental bridges?

A dental bridge is a permanent restorative solution that replaces one missing teeth or more. As the name implies, they “bridge” the gap created by missing teeth by anchoring to the adjacent teeth or implants. Dental bridges have two main parts:

Pontic: The artificial tooth or teeth that fill the gap.

Abutments: the supports that attach to the surrounding teeth or implants.

Dental bridges restore function by making it easier to chew, speak, and smile. They also help maintain the shape of your face and prevent the other teeth from shifting.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Our patients here at Sage Hills Dental choose bridges for many reasons. Here are just a few of the benefits they reap:

Improved Function

Missing teeth make it hard to chew and speak. A dental bridge restores these functions and gives you more ease and confidence.

Better Aesthetics

Gaps in your smile can make you feel self-conscious or less confident. Dental bridges are a natural-looking solution to restore your appearance.

Preserved Tooth Alignment

When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space and cause misalignment or bite problems. Dental bridges help maintain dental alignment and occlusion.

Long-Lasting

When you follow proper aftercare instructions, dental bridges can last 10–15 years or more.

Prevents Bone Loss

When paired with implants, dental bridges can help prevent jawbone loss, which occurs when teeth are missing.

Ensure the longevity of your smile with our thorough dental exams. Our team is dedicated to detecting and preventing issues early.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are four main types of bridges, and our dental professionals can help you choose the best one for you.

Traditional Bridge

Traditional bridges are the most common and are used when there are natural teeth on both sides of the gap. These bridges have one or more pontics supported by crowns on the adjacent teeth (abutments).

Cantilever Bridge

Cantilever bridges are used when there is only one tooth next to the missing tooth or teeth. Less common but suitable for specific cases where a single abutment is enough.

Maryland Bonded Bridge

The Maryland bridge has a metal or porcelain framework that is bonded to the back of the nearby teeth. Also called a resin-bonded bridge, it is considered a more conservative choice since it doesn’t require putting crowns on the surrounding teeth.

Implant-supported bridge

Implant-supported bridge This type of bridge is supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth. Good for patients with several consecutive missing teeth, as it provides more stability and helps preserve the jawbone.

Testimonials

As someone who has always been anxious about dental visits, Dr. Gardner's patient-centered approach and gentle demeanor instantly put me at ease...

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 60 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Katie Meyer 
 
 
 
  Sage Hills Dentist office is very awesome with my kids they are kind and sweet and understanding.
  
 
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   Tiffany 
 
 
 
  My son had an awesome first-time experience at the dentist. He cannot stop talking about his “first time at the dentist!”. The staff was friendly and helpful and Dr. Gardner took the time to interact with my son. The waiting room is kid-friendly which is always very helpful! Would definitely recommend if you’re looking to establish dental care.
  
 
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   Terra Sanders 
 
 
 
  Was understanding enough to give me options involving the procedure to get a filling done. And be able to make the filling easier.
  
 
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   Michael Peterson 
 
 
 
  Very professional and got things done in a very timely manner. Highly recommend
  
 
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   Todd Richardson 
 
 
 
  Very friendly staff, very professional and accommodating.
  
 
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   jessica bendell 
 
 
 
  Great with my autistic son. My son wont let anyone near him but my son felt comfortable and let them work or exam his teeth Great scheduling too gets you in right away of needed i recommend this dentist to everyone
  
 
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   Dakota Hansen 
 
 
 
  Excellent service and amazing people. I’ve been going to this place since I was a kid, and it has been amazing nearly every time. Keep up the good work!
  
 
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   VERNEL GAIL 
 
 
 
  I’m 54. I haven’t been to a dentist in over 25 years because of Fear of the dentist.  I had the best experience that I could ever have At Sage Hills dental.  I would definitely recommend.  A+++++++
  
 
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   April Pruett 
 
 
 
  Everyone was super nice and friendly! My son and I had a great experience!
  
 
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   Beth Brown 
 
 
 
  Amazing service as always! The team is so welcoming, make you feel comfortable and know what they're doing!

The Dental Bridge Process

The process for getting a bridge takes multiple appointments over two or more visits. Here’s what to expect when availing of dental bridges from us at Sage Hills Dental:

Initial Consultation : During your first visit, we will evaluate your oral health, discuss your needs, and determine if dental bridges are right for you. Diagnostic images such as X-rays or intraoral scans may be taken to create a treatment plan.

Abutment teeth preparation : For traditional and cantilever bridges, the adjacent teeth need to be reshaped to make room for the crowns. A small amount of enamel is removed, and impressions are taken to design your custom bridge. For Maryland bridges and implant-supported bridges, preparation varies but is less invasive.

Temporary Bridge : A temporary bridge may be placed to protect your teeth and restore function while your permanent bridge is being fabricated.

Bridge Placement : Once your custom bridge is ready, we’ll make sure it fits and matches the surrounding teeth in color and shape. The bridge will be cemented or attached to the implants, depending on the type.

Follow-up and Care : We’ll provide you with instructions on how to care for your bridge after the procedure. Make sure you attend regular checkups, which will keep your bridge looking great for years to come.

How to Care for Your Dental Bridges

To get the most out of your bridge, practice good oral hygiene. Here are helpful tips to follow:

Clean Your Teeth: Floss or use an interdental cleaner to clean under the bridge and between your teeth.

Watch What You Eat: Avoid chewing hard foods that may damage the bridge.

Regular Dentist Visits: Dentist visits don’t stop after you get dental bridges done. Make sure you schedule dental appointments for checkups and cleaning.

committing to excellence

Why Sage Hills Dental for Dental Bridges?

When you choose Sage Hills Dental for your dental bridge needs, you get expert care backed by years of experience. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized solutions to get your smile back and restore your oral health. We use the latest technology and materials to create durable and natural-looking bridges that blend with your existing teeth. At Sage Hills Dental, patient comfort and satisfaction are our #1 priority. From your initial consultation to the placement and maintenance of your bridge, we will be with you every step of the way.

FAQs

How long do bridges last?

Dental bridges can last for up to 10-15 years with good care. Oral hygiene practices, diet, and regular dental visits play a big role in that.

Are bridges painful?

The procedure is pain-free; our dental team uses anesthetics to ensure your comfort during the process. Some patients may experience mild soreness, which usually goes away in a few days.

Can I eat normally with a bridge?

Yes, bridges allow you to chew normally. That said, we recommend that you avoid hard or sticky foods, especially in the first few days after placement.

How much does a bridge cost?

The cost of a bridge varies depending on the type and material. During your consultation, we will give you a breakdown of the costs and payment options.

What if I don’t replace the tooth?

Leaving a gap from a missing tooth can lead to problems such as shifting teeth, bite misalignment, jawbone deterioration, and difficulty chewing. Replacing the tooth with a bridge can prevent those complications.

Transform Your Smile

Restore Your Smile with Sage Hills Dental

Sage Hills Dental serves the Cody, WY community and other nearby areas with personalized dental care. If you have missing teeth and are considering bridges, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team. We’ll help you find the solution to get your smile and confidence back. Call us today to get started!