WHAT IS A DENTAL BRIDGE?
A bridge is a dental appliance that consists of three or more attached crowns that is used to replace missing teeth. It is a great alternative to partial dentures in that they are permanently cemented over your teeth and so there is no need to remove them.
There are four main types of dental bridges: traditional, cantilever, implant supported and Maryland. The traditional bridge is by far the most common. It consists of two or more natural teeth supporting missing teeth that are somewhere between them. This means that the missing tooth to be replaced needs to have an existing tooth in front and behind it. If that is not the case, implants can be placed and used as the two or more anchors of the bridge. Another bridge option is a cantilever. This bridge can be fabricated in only some instances and consists of supporting a missing tooth crown off of only 1 tooth. While this may sound like a good option in some cases, it is only really ideal for some front teeth since it would be harmful for 1 back tooth to support the weight of 2 missing teeth (the one supporting and the one being supported).
Bridges are a good choice not only because they fill in any gaps you may have in your dentition but also because it prevents teeth from shifting trying to close the gap left by the missing tooth. Whenever a tooth is missing and the space is left unattended, adjacent teeth will start drifting out of position and this will lead to occlusion (bite) problems and will also make your teeth more susceptible to cavities and gum problems, which could lead to further tooth loss. Bridges not only improve your smile and your ability to chew but also restores your speech and pronunciation and it protects your physical appearance by preventing the collapse of your facial features that could lead to premature wrinkling. Visit our dentist near you if you would like more information about how a dental bridge can improve overall well-being and aesthetics
WILL IT HAVE A NATURAL LOOK?
Yes, it will. Bridges are designed taking into consideration the patient’s existing dentition and oral anatomy; bridges are made to match your natural tooth shape, size, length and color. We are here to help, so in the case you have a specific cosmetic request, make sure to discuss it with your friendly dentist prior treatment in order to come up with the best treatment solution.
WHAT IS A DENTAL BRIDGE MADE FROM?
As in crowns, several types of materials are used for the fabrication of bridges. Ceramics, porcelain, metal alloys and porcelain fused to metal are among the materials commonly used.
At Prestige Dental Care, our main goal is for the bridge to fit comfortably in your mouth and to look natural. Therefore, when selecting the type of material to use for your bridge, your caring dentist in Lake Worth will take into account many factors such as the function and position of your tooth, the position of your gum in relation to the tooth, the shade of your teeth, the amount of tooth that show when you smiles and of course, your preference.
WHAT DOES THE PROCESS OF GETTING A DENTAL BRIDGE CONSIST OF?
Typically the process of making a dental bridge consists of two visits in a span of two weeks. In the first visit, teeth on either side of the space left by your missing tooth/teeth will have some of their structure removed in order to create space for the bridge to go over them; it is important to remember that it is these adjacent teeth that will be holding your bridge providing support to it. After the proper shape is given to these teeth, an impression will be taken in order to capture your gum and tooth anatomy; a registration of your bite will be also taken. Additionally, you and your friendly dentist in Lake Worth will choose the shade of your bridge so that it matches the color of your natural dentition. The impression along with the bite registration will be sent to the lab for the bridge to be made. Lastly, a temporary bridge will be made and cemented to protect the reshaped teeth.
At the second visit, your newly made bridge will be placed and adjusted until proper fit is achieved; an x-ray will be taken in order to confirm proper fit. Once this is confirmed, the bridge will be permanently cemented onto the adjacent teeth and your bite adjusted until everything feels normal in your mouth.
HOW TO MAINTAIN A BRIDGE?
It is extremely necessary for a bridge patient to be fully committed to maintaining proper oral hygiene practices; the longevity of a bridge depends on the health of the gums and teeth.
The most common reason bridges fail are dental cavities and periodontal (gum) problems; therefore, daily brushing and flossing are really important. Oral water irrigators are super useful in keeping your bridge clean and can be used to complement the use of dental floss; however, remember they are not a replacement for flossing. When it comes to flossing, your Lake Worth dentist will go over the special technique needed in order to keep your bridge clean.
HOW ABOUT MY DENTAL HYGIENE VISITS?
At least three yearly check up and hygiene visits to the dentist are necessary to make sure your bridge, teeth and gums are in a good and stable condition. Your caring dentist will check your bridge to make sure there are no problems with it or with the teeth holding it. If you notice any issues with your bridge, let us right away in order to bring you in for us to assess the problem; never try to address the issue yourself because it could lead to further problems.
If you are considering crown and bridge work with a caring dentist near you, call us today at (561) 965-3933 or click below for a consultation.