Understanding Dental Bridges at Taher Family Dental
All of your teeth play an essential role in chewing, speaking, and maintaining the proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss can hinder these functions, potentially impact teeth alignment over time, and even age your appearance. Thankfully, dental bridges are a viable solution.
Dental Bridge Options
A dental bridge consists of crowns on either side of a gap, with artificial teeth bridging the space. These artificial teeth fill in the lost tooth’s area, with the spanning teeth called abutment teeth. It’s permanently cemented to correct tooth loss.
Maryland bridge is an artificial tooth bonded to neighboring teeth. Suitable only for replacing front teeth, this method is often opted for teens with congenitally missing front teeth until they reach full development.
Removable bridge or a removable partial denture is a one-tooth replacement that’s removable. It’s not a common option, but it is available.
Why Consider a Dental Bridge?
Restoring oral functionality and aesthetics are primary reasons for a dental bridge. Such a solution aids in supporting lips, cheeks, and maintains teeth alignment. A missing back tooth could alter your facial aesthetics, making your face appear older.
Dental bridges bring your oral health back to its prime. Each tooth complements the other, ensuring efficient chewing and structural stability. Absence of a tooth can lead to teeth shifting and other complications like gum disease and speech disorders.
Bridge Attachment Process
Initially, neighboring teeth are prepared to make room for the bridge to ensure adequate material strength. After teeth preparation, an impression is taken to understand your teeth alignment and bite registration. A temporary bridge is then placed to ensure the teeth’s proper position until the permanent bridge is ready.
Once the permanent bridge is returned from the lab, it is verified for its fit and accuracy. After ensuring a precise fit, the bridge is cemented to the abutment teeth, with a pontic (false tooth) replacing the missing tooth.
Materials for Dental Bridges
Bridges can be crafted from all metal, porcelain layered over metal, or pure porcelain. Though all-porcelain bridges are aesthetic, they might not provide adequate strength at the mouth’s back. The material is customized based on the tooth’s location and aesthetic demand.
Caring for Your Bridge
A bridge’s success largely depends on the cleanliness and health of neighboring teeth. Ensuring cleanliness around and under the bridge guarantees its longevity. Regular brushing, flossing, and using a water flosser can significantly aid in maintaining bridge hygiene.
Additional Insights
While bridges can significantly restore the appearance and function of missing teeth and last for years, patients might find them about the same price as a dental implant. However, their permanence makes them a preferred choice over removable partial dentures for many.
Ultimately, the decision to opt for a bridge is personal. We at Taher Family Dental recommend patients to understand the benefits and weigh them against any drawbacks before making a decision. If you’re considering a dental bridge, don’t hesitate to contact us for guidance and scheduling.