Dental Bridges
Benefits and Advantages of Dental Bridges
If you have one or more missing teeth, a dental bridge is an option your dentist will discuss.
A bridge is a fixed removable partial denture that is also known as a pontic. A dental bridge needs the neighboring teeth to be in good condition so it can support the replacement tooth or teeth. If you have a large filling, it will require a crown as well as a dental bridge, and can improve those teeth as well.
A bridge can be made from a variety of metals such as gold.
However, they are typically made from porcelain to aesthetically blend in with your natural teeth. Crowns are used most commonly used to entirely cover or “cap” a damaged tooth or cover an implant.
Dental bridges are used to cover a space if you’re missing one or more teeth. They are cemented to natural teeth or implants surrounding the space where the tooth once stood.
A bridge will restore not only your smile but also the ability to properly chew. These can also improve your speech and pronunciation. Further, this can help support the shape of the face and prevent the remaining teeth from becoming crooked.
Dental bridges have four main types: traditional, cantilever, Maryland and implant-supported.
The traditional dental bridge uses a false tooth or teeth held by dental crowns. This is the most popular type. Cantilever, on the other hand, is similar to a traditional bridge but only needs one natural tooth next to the missing tooth gap.
Another type, Maryland bonded bridge, consists of a metal framework with “wings” on each side. This type uses a framework of either metal or porcelain and can be used when the patient has a natural tooth on each side of the gap.
An implant-supported dental bridge is surgically placed for every missing tooth and these implants hold the bridge in position.
Overall, a dental bridge is a simple procedure that provides an appealing cosmetic result. It eliminates the space and creates a uniform, beautiful smile. Getting a bridge requires at least two visits, but often more. At the first visit, your dentist prepares the teeth and covers them with temporary crowns. The dentist may also make impressions of the teeth.
One of the best things, recovery is very minimal. The average life of a dental bridge is more or less 15 years, or even a lifetime. But they can sometimes loose or fall out.
Having good oral hygiene practice is a good start. Here are some tips you need after getting a dental bridge:
Brush your teeth and gums with fluoride toothpaste two times a day. Floss two times a day. Make sure to ask your dentist about proper flossing after placing the bridge. See your dentist for regular check-ups.
Consult with Danny The Dentist for more information and for booking an appointment.
