Bridges
Missing a tooth can affect more than just your smile—it can impact your bite, speech, and oral health. At Lans Family Dentistry, we offer custom dental bridges that restore the function and appearance of your smile while preventing long-term issues caused by tooth loss.
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It works by anchoring an artificial tooth (pontic) to the natural teeth next to the gap, keeping your bite aligned and preventing surrounding teeth from shifting out of place.
Why Choose a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges restore your ability to chew and speak comfortably, maintain your facial structure, and improve your smile’s appearance. They also help protect your remaining teeth by preventing them from drifting or becoming misaligned.
Types of Dental Bridges
We offer several types of bridges, depending on your needs:
- Traditional Bridge: The most common type, secured with crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap.
- Maryland Bridge: Ideal for front teeth, using metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back of nearby teeth for a more conservative option.
- Cantilever Bridge: Used when only one adjacent tooth is available, often for areas that don’t bear heavy chewing forces.
What to Expect
Getting a bridge usually requires two visits. First, we prepare the surrounding teeth, take impressions, and place a temporary bridge. On your return visit, we fit and cement your custom-made bridge for a secure and comfortable result.
Caring for Your Bridge
Brushing, flossing, and regular checkups are essential to keep your bridge and supporting teeth healthy. Tools like floss threaders or water flossers can help clean underneath the bridge more effectively.
Restore Your Smile with Confidence
If you’re looking for a natural-looking, lasting solution to replace missing teeth, a dental bridge could be the answer.
Composite Bonding
If you have minor chips, gaps, or discoloration, composite bonding at Lans Family Dentistry could be the ideal way to restore and enhance your smile. This quick, cost-effective treatment uses a tooth-colored resin to repair and reshape teeth—often in just one visit.
Composite bonding involves applying a durable resin to the surface of your tooth, which is then sculpted and polished to blend naturally with your surrounding teeth. It’s a conservative treatment that requires little to no enamel removal and usually doesn’t require anesthesia.
What Can Composite Bonding Fix?
Bonding can improve several common concerns, including:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Stains or discoloration
- Uneven or worn edges
Why Patients Choose Bonding
Many patients prefer bonding for its speed, affordability, and natural-looking results. It preserves most of your natural tooth and is often completed in less than an hour. Composite resin also comes in various shades for a seamless match.
Things to Keep in Mind
While bonding is a great option for cosmetic touch-ups, it may not be as durable as veneers or crowns. Bonded areas can wear down or stain over time, especially with frequent exposure to coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco.
To maintain your results, be sure to:
- Brush and floss daily
- Limit staining foods and drinks
- Schedule regular cleanings and checkups
Is Composite Bonding Right for You?
If you’re looking for a fast, non-invasive way to improve your smile, composite bonding may be the perfect fit. Our team at Lans Family Dentistry in Ashburn, VA will help you determine if it’s the right solution for your needs.