Dental bridges are appliances that replace one or multiple missing teeth. Dentists install them through a non-invasive procedure.
So, what is it like to use dental bridges? What should you expect during this process?
What exactly are dental bridges?
They are false teeth that fill a gap left by one or more missing teeth. They consist of two parts.
The first component is a set of false teeth, also known as the pontic. It sits in the gap left by the missing teeth.
The second component of a dental bridge is the abutments that hold the pontic in place. They come in the form of crowns that fit onto the teeth on either side of the gap.
Dental bridges consist of materials like porcelain, metal alloys or gold.
What are their benefits?
Here some reasons why a person might choose dental bridges:
- They restore a person’s smile and make it easier for the person to chew
- They prevent the teeth from shifting toward the gap left by the missing teeth
- Dental bridges maintain the shape of the face, which would otherwise change after tooth loss
One drawback of dental bridges is that they require the filing down of healthy adjacent teeth. This is done to prepare the teeth for the dental crowns that act as the support structures for the bridge
Types of dental bridges
There are three types of bridges.
The traditional bridge sits in a gap that is flanked by two adjacent teeth. This type of bridge is held in place by two crowns that are fitted on the teeth on both sides of the gap.
The cantilever bridge works in the back of the mouth, where the missing teeth have only one adjacent tooth. Dentists do not like to use this type of bridge because it can damage the abutment tooth.
The Maryland bridge attaches to adjacent teeth with the use of a frame.
How a dentist places dental bridges
It typically takes two dentist visits to place a dental bridge. During the first visit, the dentist prepares the adjacent teeth for dental crowns. They reshape the teeth by removing a portion of the enamel to make room for the crowns.
Next, the dentist makes a mold of the patient’s mouth. This mold is used to make the pontic and the abutment crowns. Finally, the dentist places a temporary bridge to cover the prepared teeth.
On the second visit, the dentist places the crowns and the false teeth. If you have a fixed bridge, the dentist will bond it onto the crowns.
What to do after getting a dental bridge
It takes time to get used to a dental bridge, and you should stick to soft foods for a while. Eventually, you will learn to chew and talk with the bridge.
Take extra care when cleaning dental bridges. Make sure to clean the space between the bridge and the gum with dental floss or an interdental brush.
Take care of your dental bridge
With proper care, a bridge will last at least 15 years, so eat well and maintain a rigorous dental hygiene routine. Also, get regular dental checkups so that the dentist can keep tabs on your teeth as well as the dental bridge.
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Are you dealing with missing teeth? Talk to one of our dentists to learn more about dental bridges.
Are you considering getting dental bridges in the Palm Desert area? Get more information at https://www.portoladentalgroup.com.
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