What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge belvidere illinois literally bridges the gap or space created by a missing tooth or missing teeth.
A dental bridge is usually made of two crowns that fit on the teeth on both sides of the gap. These two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth, and a false tooth or teeth suspended in between. These artificial teeth are called pontics and can be made from alloys, porcelain, gold, or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges are supported by either natural teeth or dental implants.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge can do the following:
- Restore your healthy smile.
- Restore your ability to chew and speak normally.
- Will help maintain the shape of your face.
- Distribute the pressures in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth.
- The bridge will prevent the neighboring teeth from drifting into the gap.
What Types of Dental Bridges Are Available?
There are three main types of dental bridges:
- A Traditional bridge- Involves placing a dental crown on the natural teeth on both side of the missing tooth, with the pontic supported in between. Traditional bridges are the most frequently used type of bridge and are usually made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
- A Cantilever bridge- Are used when there is only one natural tooth adjacent to the missing tooth. This is not a commonly used solution and is not recommended in the back of the mouth where there will be too much force on the supporting tooth and damage it.
- A Maryland bonded bridge- This bridge is made of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, supported by a metal or porcelain framework. Metal or porcelain wings are bonded to your adjacent natural teeth.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
During your first visit for your dental bridge, the abutment teeth will be prepared. This preparation involves recontouring these two teeth by removing a small portion of enamel to make room for a crown to be placed on top of them. An impression of your teeth is made, which will serve as a model from which your dental bridge will be created in a dental lab. Your dentist will place a temporary bridge to protect the abutment while the permanent bridge is being made.
During your second visit, the temporary bridge will be removed, and your new bridge will be inspected and adjusted, if necessary, to achieve a perfect fit. If the dental bridge is a fixed bridge, your dentist might temporarily cement it in place for a few weeks to make sure it is fits properly. After this trial period, the bridge is cemented into place.
Proper Care for Your Dental Bridge
It is always important to keep your natural teeth healthy and strong as the success of your bridge depends on the support offered by your surrounding teeth. Brushing twice a day is imperative, flossing once a day and using an antiseptic mouthwash once a day will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Your dentist will demonstrate how to properly brush and floss teeth if asked. Maintaining a six-month appointment for professional regular cleaning will help diagnose any issues at an earlier stage. Adhering to a balanced diet for proper nutrition is also important. Dental bridges can usually last five to 15 years and even longer. With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, dental bridges have been known to last a lifetime.