Cincinnati Dental Bridges
What Is A Dental Bridge?
As a family dentist in Cincinnati, seeing patients of all ages, I get many questions. One common questions is related to “bridges”.
A dental bridge is made to fill in the space created by missing teeth. This bridge is a way for the patient to effectively have a full set of teeth because the natural teeth are replaced by false teeth. The dentist selects a material for making the teeth that is best suited to the patient’s specific needs – several materials are available. Patients find getting used to these teeth takes very little time or no time at all.
Dental bridges, sometimes called fixed partial dentures, are made to anchor to the teeth on either side of the gap. This enables the denture to be removed for daily cleaning. These false teeth can also be anchored by dental implants, which would be a more permanent condition. Dentures can also be anchored by bonding them to the teeth on either side. This would require the teeth to be fitted with crowns so that the dentures can be properly and permanently set in place.
Types Of Dental Bridges
There are three types of bridges that are most commonly made. The most common of these is called the Traditional and it is made of ceramics or porcelain fused to metal. Cantilevers are made for a condition where there are teeth only on one side for anchoring the bridge. Maryland bonded bridges are constructed with plastic teeth and gums on framework made of metal.
Porcelain is considered to be the most durable and more natural in appearance, so it is frequently used in making the replacement teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge will provide several benefits for the patient:
- A smile can be restored when the front teeth are replaced.
- Foods can be enjoyed again since they can be properly chewed.
- The ability to speak more clearly will be restored.
- Facial features will be maintained in the proper shape.
- Bite forces will be restored.
- The teeth surrounding the gap will be kept in position.
- The jaw bone structure will not deteriorate.
The dentist will make this dental appliance after reviewing the x-rays of the patient’s mouth to be sure that the surrounding teeth are in good condition. They will review the options with the patient to ensure that the patient is properly informed about every step.
Once the dentist is certain that the patient can have this type of denture anchored, an impression of the gap area including the teeth on either side will be made. This will guide the dental lab in making the denture to fit the area.
The entire process is painless and can be done in a minimal amount of time. Patients are generally very pleased with the results, and being able to resume normal eating is one of the best results.