Dental bridges are a suitable restorative dentistry procedure for many patients with missing teeth.
A dental bridge is a device used to permanently replace missing teeth. They are alternatives to partial dentures seeking to serve functional and aesthetic purposes, enabling better eating and speaking experiences.
Reasons To Get A Dental Bridge:
Your teeth work together as one unit. Hence, if a tooth is missing, it can cause nearby teeth can move into space. The teeth in your opposite jaw can also move up or down toward space. This can then cause:
- Bite problems when eating
- Pain from the extra stress on your teeth and jaw.
- Chewing difficulties and ultimately affecting your diet and appetite.
- Self-consciousness about the way you look or your smile.
What Are The Different Types Of Dental Bridges Available?
There are four main types of bridges and they are:
Traditional fixed bridge:
This is the commonest dental bridge used composed of two or more crowns and a filler tooth or teeth that are connected as one unit with the crowns keeping the bridge in place. Traditional bridges are made of metal, porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
Cantilever bridge:
In this type, the pontic connects to only one abutment tooth. This can sometimes be an option for people who have teeth on only one side of the gap.
Maryland dental bridge:
This type of bridge is also known as a resin-bonded bridge and is used for those who have missing front teeth. It’s composed of porcelain fused to metal or ceramic teeth, supported by a framework. Wings on each side of the bridge bond to your existing teeth.
Implant-supported bridge:
This is similar to the traditional fixed bridge but instead of being cemented in place to teeth, it is held in place by implants.
These can be gotten at our office, where you’d get the best service from a Family Dentist in Pompano Beach.
Getting a Dental Bridge: The Process
Getting a dental bridge involves a procedure that is completed in two visits.
During the first visit, the abutment teeth are prepared and this involves the recontouring of these teeth by the removal of a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them. Next, impressions of the teeth are made, which serve as a model from which the bridge, pontic, and crowns will be made by a dental lab. The dentist will then make a temporary bridge to wear to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the bridge is being made.
During the second visit, the temporary bridge will be removed and the new porcelain or metal bridge will be checked and adjusted, as necessary, to achieve a proper fit. However, multiple visits may be required to check the fit of the metal framework and bite and are dependent on each individual’s case. After a couple of weeks, the bridge is cemented into place.
Advantages Of Dental Bridges:
A dental bridge can:
- Help your bite.
- Restore your ability to chew and speak.
- Prevent remaining teeth from moving out of place.
- Restore your smile and improve your speech.
What Are The Risks Or Complications Of Dental Bridges?
If you care for your bridge properly, it can last many years without complications. The bridge may fail if the surrounding teeth decay or if the cement deteriorates. If the bridge comes loose and the supporting teeth are still healthy and intact, your provider may be able to re-attach it with new cement.
If you need to get a safe and reliable Dental bridge near you, you can come to visit our family dentist in Pompano Beach, Dr. Shana Francois. You can expect professional, quality delivery, and risk-free dental bridge placements, as well as a personal feel of getting a Dental Bridge before and after the procedure.