Are you missing a couple of front teeth and wondering what you must do to restore your looks and the functionality of your teeth? You undoubtedly are facing a predicament whose resolution is available with the dental office in Pompano Beach. Discuss your options with the dental professional who will likely offer you dental bridges to bridge the gap left by the missing tooth or teeth. Are you now wondering what dental bridges are? Continue reading to learn more about them and how they can help restore your appearance and functionality of your mouth.
Why May You Need a Dental Bridge?
When you have a missing tooth or teeth, dental bridges prove beneficial. You may have lost the tooth to tooth decay, gum disease, or injury. You may also have been born with missing teeth due to a genetic condition. If you intend to get dental bridges, you must have healthy teeth on either side of the missing teeth.
Why Must You Consider Dental Bridges?
The dentist in Lighthouse point recommends dental bridges because your teeth are designed to work together. When you lose a tooth for any reason mentioned above, the neighboring teeth begin moving into the empty space. The teeth in the opposite jaw also move upwards or downwards towards the vacant space. The movement of the teeth causes chewing difficulties, bite problems, discomfort from the extra stress on your teeth and jaw, and self-consciousness about your appearance and your smile.
What Does a Dental Bridge Appear like?
Typical Dental Bridges Have:
- Abutment Teeth, where the dentist in Pompano Beach places a couple of dental crowns on either side of the gap. The abutment teeth are either your natural teeth or dental implants.
- Pontics are fake teeth filling the gap and attaching to the crowns.
Types of Dental Bridges Available
The four primary types of bridges are:
- A traditional fixed bridge is the most popular. Traditional fixed bridges have two or more crowns and a pontic or teeth connected. The dental crowns serve to keep the bridge in place. Metal, porcelain fused to metal, or ceramics help make traditional bridges.
- A cantilever bridge is a variety that the pontic connects merely to one abutment teeth. Cantilever bridges are an option if you have teeth on just one side of the gap.
- If you have a missing front tooth, you can have Maryland dental bridges made from porcelain fused to metal or ceramic and supported by a framework. Wings on both sides of the bridge adhere to your existing teeth.
- Implant-supported bridges are similar to traditional fixed bridges. However, instead of being bonded in place to the abutment teeth, they are held by dental implants.
What Are Your Options If You Don’t Want Dental Bridges?
You can select removable partial dentures as replacements for your missing teeth. You may also be suitable for dental implants surgically embedded into your jawbone. The dentist near you can help figure out the best option for your specific needs.
The Traditional Dental Bridge Procedure
You require at least two appointments with Dr. Shana François if you decide to have traditional dental bridges.
During your first appointment, the dentist reshapes the abutment teeth removing part of the enamel and dentin, making space to accommodate the crowns. Digital scans or impressions of your teeth are taken by the dentist for the dental laboratory to fabricate your bridge, fake teeth, and crowns. You receive a temporary bridge to protect the exposed areas in your mouth as the laboratory fabricates your dental bridge.
During your second appointment, the dental professional removes the temporary bridge to place the permanent bridge. They will check the bridge carefully and make any adjustments needed to ensure it fits you comfortably.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Whether your dental bridge treatment succeeds or not depends on the health and strength of your existing teeth. If you have a traditional fixed bridge, it is incredibly essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease leading causes of tooth loss. For excellent tooth and gum care must:
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once. The dental professional can demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques and recommend special dental floss, letting you slide it between the bridge and your gums.
- Regular professional cleanings from dentists are also essential when you have traditional fixed bridges. Dentists detect problems early and provide treatments to achieve successful outcomes.
- Having a balanced diet is also essential, with plenty of fruits and vegetables limiting chewy and fibrous foods like meats.
Caring for traditional dental bridges is not challenging but requires a dedicated effort on your part. If you maintain proper dental hygiene, the replacements may last for over a decade.