Dental Bridges
The Two Types Of Dental Bridges
Traditional Bridge
Also known as a fixed bridge, a traditional dental bridge consists of dental crowns placed on two abutment teeth, one on each side of the gap in your smile. These abutment teeth support artificial teeth placed between them, called pontics.
Our crowns and pontics are custom-crafted with zirconia to look like natural teeth and blend in seamlessly with your smile.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Your bridge can also be supported by dental implants, which act as artificial tooth roots to support the pontics. Since implant-supported bridges replace the entire tooth structure, they are the most comprehensive form of restoration.
We coordinate with oral surgeons we trust to place your dental implants.
Tooth Loss Is Common But Bridges Offer a Solution
Reasons Why Tooth Loss Occurs
Our team is trained to recognize and treat the causes of tooth loss, like:
Oral Health Issues
Gum disease and tooth decay can easily lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Oral health issues like these can be caused by poor oral hygiene, genetics, health issues, and even certain medications. With periodontal treatment and regular cleanings, we can improve your oral health and help you maintain your results.
Dental Trauma
Dental trauma and injuries can cause damage that leaves the tooth unable to be saved, even with prompt dental care. A damaged tooth may fall out on its own or may require an extraction. Our dentists offer extractions, as well as treatment for trauma caused by TMJ, giving you a team you can trust.
Get Your Smile Back
With Dental Care on Your Timeline
At South Point Family Dental serving Charlotte and Belmont, NC, we understand that dental issues can be overwhelming. Not to mention, it can be hard to find enough time in your busy week to seek care. Fortunately, our dentistry practice offers flexible appointments from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm as well as Saturday appointments, with three dentists to treat your needs.
Combined, Dr. Gary McCord, and Dr. Ashley Starr have decades of dental care experience. That gives them the knowledge to personalize your treatment, answer your questions, and alleviate any dental fears you may have.
There's no time like the present to seek treatment. Call or contact us to request an initial consultation on your own schedule.
(704) 825-5111
Making Stressful Care Easier for Belmont Patients
Greg Erickson
Belmont, NC
2023
This place fixed my dental issues when I relocated to this area in 2016. They will take good care of you. This practice will attend to your dental health and will make sure that you are comfortable. All of the staff members have a smile and they want you to leave on a happy feeling!
View on GoogleRose Reaper
Belmont, NC
2023
Everyone there is super friendly and communicative! You always know what's going on and what the plan is. I especially love my doctor, Dr. Ashley Starr. I feel super cared for and in control when I do procedures and check-ups with her and the dental assistants.
View on GoogleSee How Dental Bridges Are Placed
With traditional bridges, the anchoring teeth are reshaped to allow the crowns to fit properly. The crowns act as support for the pontic which fills in the gap caused by missing teeth. Together, the crowns and pontic form your custom dental bridge.
Traditional Dental Bridges
Look Subtle, But Offer Substantial Changes
A traditional bridge is a trusted treatment to restore missing teeth. Our dentists craft traditional bridges so lifelike that no one will know you once had a gap in your smile. Our Belmont dentistry practice uses high-quality zirconia for restorations. We shade-match it to ensure that your dental bridge blends in seamlessly and looks natural. While traditional bridges can be a great option for many patients, they don't offer the comprehensive benefits of an implant-supported restoration.
Implants Replace the Entire Tooth The Bone-Saving Benefits of Dental Implants
Even a single missing tooth can cause the jawbone to begin to atrophy, as the bone requires stimulation from the tooth roots. Dental implants prevent this recession.
Implants are the only proven dental treatment that can stop or prevent jaw bone deterioration, saving you from needing bone grafting later. And, because they will be discreetly covered by your lifelike restoration, no one will even know that you have an implant at all.
Our dentists can explain all about the health benefits of implants during your visit, as well as the cosmetic and functional advantages.
The Anatomy of an Implant
Implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed directly into the jaw. The implants fuse to the jawbone in a process called osseointegration and act as prosthetic tooth roots, providing the jaw with the stimulation it needs.
Find the Right Restoration
For Your Unique Needs
At our Belmont, NC, practice, we offer several different tooth restoration options to suit your specific smile.
Don't know where to start? No need to stress. Our caring dentists will explain the specific benefits of traditional bridges and implant-supported bridges during your appointment.
Because we offer a wide range of dental care, we can also guide you through other options, like crowns and dentures, so that you can leave our office with a solution. We even offer supplemental care, like periodontal treatment, so that your smile is healthy, beautiful, and functional.
No matter your needs, Charlotte-area dentists Dr. McCord and Dr. Starr are determined to create a tailored treatment plan. If you're ready to begin, contact South Point Family Dentistry or call
(704) 825-5111
Why We're Belmont's Choice For Exceptional Dental Care
"Best dentist office EVER!! Drs. Gary McCord, Macken & Rodda are ALL EXCELLENT dentists. Additionally, the staff in this office are all AMAZING! From the hygienists to the office staff, these folks are the best around. I wouldn’t switch no matter what!" LZ Moore
Signs a Dental Bridge Is Right For You
While a dental bridge is a great option to replace missing teeth, it is not right for everyone. While we can tell you for certain if you're a candidate during your consultation, you're typically a good fit if:
You Have Three or Fewer Missing Teeth
Both fixed bridges and implant-supported bridges are an excellent option to replace one, two, or three missing teeth in a row. If you have more than four consecutive missing teeth or several areas of missing teeth, dentures may be a better option for you.
You Don't Have TMJ Problems
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, problems can lead patients to grind, break, or wear down both natural teeth and restorations. It's best to get any TMJ issues treated before undergoing any kind of restoration. Luckily, we offer oral appliance therapy.
You Have Healthy Surrounding Teeth
Our dentists will need to shave the teeth surrounding your bridge, or abutment teeth, so they can secure your traditional bridge. If those teeth are severely decayed, broken, or unhealthy, you may not be a candidate for a traditional bridge — but an implant-supported one may still be possible.
You Have Healthy Gums and Bone
Implant-supported bridges need to fuse with your gum and jawbone in order to remain in place. If you have gum disease or bone loss, then you may need supplemental treatment. We feature periodontal care, so that your entire smile will be healthy by the end of your treatment.
Not a Candidate?
We Offer Dentures
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Patients with more substantial treatment needs can find natural-looking results with dentures. Dentures can be full or partial depending on your needs. Dentures can also be implant-supported for maximum stability and bone-saving benefits. Our friendly Belmont, NC, team is happy to explain more about dentures candidacy and options during your next visit.
Dental Bridge Treatment
The timeline for dental bridge placement varies due to each patient's unique dental needs. However, you should expect multiple appointments before treatment is complete.
With proper care, cleaning, and regular dental exams, your dental bridge can last for up to 10 years or more.
Financing Available
At our Belmont dentistry practice, we want all patients to have access to proper care. We accept most insurance plans to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs. For those without insurance or who need help with costs insurance might not cover, we accept Sunbit or CareCredit® financing.
"They treated me like family." Creating a Comfortable Atmosphere for Belmont, NC
Karen Hatcher
Belmont, NC
2022
Thanks so much to the entire team at South Point Family Dentistry. My mom's experience has been nothing short of amazing! The competence exhibited together with the compassion shown was wonderful. I will forever be grateful!
View on GoogleTerrence Sanders
Belmont, NC
2022
I received outstanding customer service from South Point Dentistry. The staff treated me like family. Everyone from the front desk staff, the dental hygienist and the dentist were very kind. My dental hygienist was Joy yesterday and my teeth look and feel great. I will be sticking with this dental practice.
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