How Dental Bridges Can Help You
Missing teeth can make your life a lot harder. It will impede your ability to talk and eat. It also puts you at risk for gum and bone recession, the movement of the teeth adjacent to the missing teeth, loose skin, and so on.
The good thing, though, is that there are various dental treatment options for missing teeth, one of which is dental bridges.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge quite literally bridges the gap created by missing teeth and adjoins the remaining ones. The teeth that’s adjacent to either side of the missing tooth are called abutment teeth, while the replacement tooth are referred to as false teeth or pontic.
Why Bridges Are Important
Dental bridges can help restore both the function and esthetics of your smile, as well as help maintain the actual shape of your face.
With dental bridges, you no longer have to worry about not being able to chew food and speak properly. You also won’t have to worry about the other teeth in your mouth moving out of place or drifting apart.
The Different Types of Dental Bridges
- Traditional Bridge – The most popular type of bridge used and made from either ceramics, or porcelain fused to metal.
- Cantilever Bridge – This type of bridge is used only when a patient does not have two teeth on either side of the missing tooth.
- Maryland Bridge – Another type of bridge that’s considered as a more conservative alternative to the traditional bridge. This is made using a metal framework utilizes metal or porcelain wings to attach the pontic to, of which are then cemented to the two abutment teeth.
Do Bridges Last Long?
Yes, bridges do last for a long time. Even better is that the average cost of a dental bridge is far cheaper compared to other options, making bridges not only durable and long-lasting, but also cheap.
What To Expect
The procedure typically requires two appointments, with a week or longer interval in between each visit.
On the first visit, the dentist will begin removing the enamel structure of the teeth adjacent to either side of the missing tooth. This is to prepare them for the crown. The dentist will then take an impression of the teeth and send it to the dental laboratory where the dental bridge, crowns and pontic are created.
Depending on the situation, the dentist may choose to place a temporary bridge.
Once finished, the patient then comes in for a second visit where the temporary bridge is removed (if placed). The new permanent ones are then fitted and double-checked for proper placement.
A third or even fourth visit may be necessary to ensure that the permanent bridge is properly fitted and fits securely inside the mouth.
Taking Care Of Your Dental Bridge
You should take care of your permanent bridge as you would your natural teeth. Clean it properly and thoroughly, preferably by using a proxy bridge and/or dental floss. Make sure that you also don’t forget to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.
Aside from the restoring structure and function of damaged teeth, bridges can help improve a damaged tooth’s appearance, shape, alignment and even bite.
If you want to know more about how dental bridges can help solve your problems with missing teeth, make sure to schedule an appointment with your preferred dental practitioner as soon as possible.
If you are interested in replacing your missing teeth with a dental bridge, contact Dr. Graham Farless, DDS at 336-282-2868 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.gsodentist.com for additional information regarding dental bridges.