Dental bridges are a tooth replacement solution that is effective and affordable. They are custom-made to replace one or multiple missing teeth.
They are designed to bridge the gap left by missing teeth and use the surrounding healthy teeth as anchors. The benefits of getting a dental bridge include:
Restore Your Smile
A gap in your smile can make it difficult to speak and eat effectively. Dental bridges fill the empty space in your mouth to restore chewing and speaking function, prevent other teeth from shifting to fill the void, and help distribute bite forces properly.
A traditional fixed bridge consists of two crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap and a false tooth (pontic) in between. A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional fixed bridge except that it only needs one healthy tooth on one side of the gap to support it.
If you’re missing just a few of your teeth, a dental bridge can significantly improve the appearance of your smile and boost your confidence. A gap in your smile can cause the other remaining teeth to shift and can lead to crooked, misaligned, or even twisted teeth.
With a dental bridge, you’ll have a natural-looking smile that can’t be distinguished from your other teeth. They’re also more comfortable than partial dentures and easier to clean than dental implants. Moreover, bridges are less costly than both of these options.
Prevent Tooth Decay
Dental bridges help prevent tooth decay in the areas where they fill missing gaps. This is because the gap left behind by missing teeth can easily become a source of food for bacteria to accumulate under and erode the underlying teeth and gums. The bacteria in the mouth are then released as a form of plaque, which leads to gingivitis and eventually periodontal disease. If the bacteria are not eliminated, they can also enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body.
Dental bridges are an effective way to eliminate the symptoms of tooth decay and prevent its progression to more serious dental problems. However, patients should follow the instructions provided by Polit & Costello Dentistry on how to care for their bridges properly to ensure their longevity. This includes avoiding chewing extensively on hard foods such as pens, hard candies, and ice to avoid damaging the artificial teeth.
In addition, patients should schedule regular visits with their dentist to get their dental bridges cleaned and checked for any signs of damage. They should also contact their dentist if they experience pain or a sensitivity when chewing. This allows the dentist to diagnose any issues early on and provide prompt treatment before they develop into serious dental problems.
Prevent Jaw Bone Loss
When a tooth is lost, the bone tissue in that area begins to deteriorate. Replacing the missing tooth will help prevent this deterioration, which can lead to facial sagging and other problems. Dental bridges can also hold the remaining teeth in place, preventing them from shifting into the empty space and reducing their strength.
There are different types of dental bridges, including traditional and cantilever bridges. Traditional bridges consist of two crowns on healthy teeth on either side of the gap, with a pontic, or fake tooth, in between them. Cantilever bridges use a single tooth to support the bridge, which can put the adjacent teeth at risk of damage. The most stable type of dental bridge is the implant-supported bridge, which is anchored by small metal implants surgically administered into your jaw bone.
During your dental bridge procedure, we will administer local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Next, we will prepare the abutment teeth, which may involve recontouring them or removing some enamel to make room for the bridge. We will then take dental impressions, which will serve as a model for the bridge, pontic and crowns that a lab will create for you. Once the bridge, pontic and crowns are ready, we will bond (cement) them into place. Dental bridges can last from 5 to 15 years or longer with proper oral hygiene and regular dental care visits.
Increase Your Confidence
Missing teeth can have a significant impact on your appearance, leaving you with gaps in your smile that can be easily noticed. This can lead to feelings of embarrassment and may even prevent you from participating in social activities that you would otherwise enjoy.
Dental bridges look natural and will give you a beautiful smile that will help to restore your confidence. Additionally, you will be able to enjoy eating and speaking with ease, as the bridges will help to correct your articulation. Missing teeth can cause you to mispronounce certain words and may lead to a lisp, which can be quite embarrassing for others when you are talking.
The bridges will also help to keep your other teeth from shifting into the empty space, which can cause crooked teeth and further complications. Dental bridges are more affordable than implants and require less precision to place, making them an ideal tooth replacement solution for many patients.
To ensure that your bridges last for as long as possible, you should maintain proper oral hygiene and visit your Westland dentist regularly. This will include brushing twice a day and flossing regularly to remove any plaque or food debris that could potentially damage your bridges. Additionally, you should avoid chewing hard foods such as ice or sticks and should cut tougher items into smaller pieces before chewing.