Tuesday, October 29th, 2024
Your smile’s appearance and oral health can be greatly impacted by missing teeth. Everyday activities like chewing, speaking, and even smiling can become a challenge when teeth are missing. Fortunately, dental bridges offer a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution to fill the gaps in your smile, restore dental function, and improve overall oral health.
In this blog, we’ll explore what dental bridges are, how they work, the types of bridges available, the procedure for getting a bridge, and the benefits they offer.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
By physically “bridging” the gap, a dental bridge is a prosthetic tool used to replace one or more lost teeth. Crowns are placed on nearby healthy teeth or implants to secure the bridge on each side. The gap caused by the lost teeth is filled by the replacement tooth or teeth, known as pontics, which are placed in between these anchors.
Restoring your teeth’s functionality and avoiding additional oral health problems that may result from leaving a gap in your dental structure are the primary objectives of a dental bridge. Not only do they improve your smile, but they also help you chew food more effectively and speak clearly.
How Dental Bridges Work
A dental bridge typically consists of the following:
- Abutment Teeth: The natural teeth or dental implants that provide support for the bridge by anchoring it in place.
- Pontics: The replacement teeth that are affixed to the abutment teeth and fill the space.
The bridge is created just for your mouth, ensuring a natural look and comfortable fit. The materials used for bridges can vary, but they are often made from porcelain, ceramic, or a combination of materials to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges, and the right one for you depends on your specific dental needs:
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- Traditional Dental Bridge: Dental crowns that are cemented onto the neighboring teeth hold an artificial tooth (or teeth) in place in the most popular kind, known as a conventional bridge. When you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap, this kind of bridge is appropriate.
- Cantilever Bridge: Like a conventional bridge, but with just one abutment tooth supporting the pontic. When just one side of the gap has teeth, this option is utilized.
- Maryland Bonded Bridge: This kind of bridge supports the pontic with a framework made of porcelain or metal that is glued to the backs of neighboring teeth. Maryland bridges are typically used for replacing front teeth because they are less invasive, requiring minimal alteration to the neighboring teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: Instead of being anchored by natural teeth, this type of bridge is supported by dental implants. For individuals who seek a long-lasting, robust solution and have multiple lost teeth in a row, implant-supported bridges are perfect.
The Procedure for Getting a Dental Bridge
Getting a dental bridge typically requires two visits to your dentist.
- Initial Consultation and Tooth Preparation: To be sure a dental bridge is the best option for you, your dentist will check your teeth and gums, take X-rays, and evaluate your oral health during your initial appointment. After that, the abutment teeth are reshaped to accommodate the crowns supporting the bridge. To make a model for the custom-made bridge, impressions of your teeth are taken.
- Fitting and Placement: During the second visit, your custom bridge is ready, and your dentist will fit it to ensure it sits comfortably and aligns well with your bite. If the fit is correct, the bridge will be cemented into place.
For implant-supported bridges, additional time is required for the placement of the implants, as the healing process can take several months before the bridge can be fitted.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
- Restores Functionality: Restoring your ability to chew and speak normally is one of the main benefits of dental bridges. Over time, missing teeth may cause other dental problems by changing the way you bite down on food. A bridge ensures a more efficient bite by distributing the forces in your bite evenly across your teeth.
- Enhances Aesthetics: Dental bridges provide a natural-looking solution to missing teeth, improving the appearance of your smile. Since bridges are custom-made, they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, helping to boost your confidence and self-esteem.
- Prevents Teeth Shifting: When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth can gradually shift into the gap, causing misalignment and further dental issues. A bridge helps to maintain the proper alignment of your teeth, preventing potential problems like a misaligned bite, jaw pain, and further tooth loss.
- Maintains Facial Structure: Teeth play a crucial role in supporting the structure of your face. When teeth are missing, the facial structure can collapse, leading to a sunken appearance. A bridge supports your jawbone and muscles, preserving your face’s natural form.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: Dental bridges, especially those supported by implants, are durable and can last many years with proper care. Traditional bridges have a lifespan of around ten years, however, with consistent dental examinations and proper oral hygiene, implant-supported bridges can survive even longer.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Just like your natural teeth, dental bridges require proper care to ensure their longevity. Here are a few tips to maintain your bridge:
- Brush and Floss Daily: Good oral hygiene is essential to prevent decay and gum disease, which can affect the longevity of your bridge. Be sure to clean around the bridge, especially under the pontic, to remove food particles and plaque.
- Use a Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride helps strengthen your teeth and prevent decay, particularly around the abutment teeth that support the bridge.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Your dentist can keep an eye on the state of your bridge and take care of any problems early on with routine examinations.
Conclusion
After losing a tooth, dental bridges are a good way to restore your smile’s beauty and functionality. A bridge provides a dependable and visually beautiful solution to close the gap, whether you’re wanting to replace one or multiple teeth. A dental bridge can endure for years with the right maintenance, enhancing your confidence in speaking, smiling, and chewing.
If you’re considering a dental bridge to restore your smile, the Brookmere Dental Group offers expert consultation and personalized treatment plans. Contact us today to learn more about how a dental bridge can benefit you and restore your dental health!