Dental bridges fill in gaps where missing teeth occur and allow patients to chew normally, eat without restriction and speak clearly. They also prevent adjacent teeth from shifting and altering the bite.
During the first visit, your cosmetic dentist will reshape teeth on either side of the gap to act as anchors (called abutment teeth) for the bridge. He or she will then create a model of the area to send to a lab for custom fabrication.
They Replace Missing Teeth
When you are missing one or more teeth, it can impact your ability to chew and speak. It can also affect the esthetics of your smile. Dental bridges are an effective way to replace these teeth and restore the natural beauty of your smile.
Unlike dentures, bridges are fixed in place, making them a more permanent option for tooth replacement. The process is relatively quick and pain-free. Your dentist will numb the area before beginning the procedure. They will then prepare the adjacent teeth for the bridge by reshaping them. They will then take a model to use to fabricate the dental bridge. Once the dental bridge is ready, your dentist will secure it with a strong dental cement.
The primary function of a bridge is to fill the gap left by a missing tooth, and it can be used to replace one to four teeth in a row. It can also be used to correct an abnormal bite. However, it is important to note that a bridge will not prevent the remaining teeth from shifting position, which can lead to problems with your bite and jaw health.
It is also possible that the remaining teeth may develop cavities or decay because they are trying to fill in the space left by a missing tooth. Therefore, it is important to practice good oral hygiene and schedule regular visits with your hygienist.
They Help to Prevent Misalignment
Dental bridges not only fill gaps from missing teeth, but they also prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting into those open spaces. This shift can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, or even a loss of the remaining natural teeth. It is important to replace the missing teeth with dental bridges to prevent this shift, which can be a costly and time-consuming procedure to correct.
Besides restoring the appearance of your smile, dental bridges also help to restore the proper biting and chewing function. This is because teeth depend on each other for support and stability. When a tooth is lost, the other teeth tend to shift into the open space, which can cause bite problems and even affect the facial structure.
To create a dental bridge, the dentist will prepare the adjacent teeth. This involves reshaping these teeth by removing some enamel to make room for the crowns that will anchor the bridge in place. Once the teeth are prepared, impressions of your mouth will be taken and used to create a customized bridge in the lab. The pontics, which are the artificial teeth that will fill the gap, are then placed onto the prepared supporting teeth and secured with the help of dental cement or adhesive. For added durability, a porcelain fused to metal bridge (or Maryland bridge) is often preferred for back teeth.
They Are Made of Porcelain
Dental bridges are a permanent solution to missing teeth and offer a beautiful, natural smile. They can also help to improve the function of your smile, and may reduce the risk of further problems in the future. However, it is important to keep in mind that they do not protect the surrounding natural teeth from decay and gum disease. This is why it is important to maintain a regular brushing schedule, and to visit your dentist or hygienist frequently.
Your dentist will usually take a mould of your mouth to create the dental bridge, which is then fitted and fixed in place with a type of dental cement. They will use a healthy tooth on either side of the gap as anchor teeth, which are known as abutment teeth. The anchor teeth will need to be strong, as they are doing the work of three teeth. If they are too weak, the bridge may be unstable or fail.
Bridges can be made from a range of materials, including porcelain fused to metal (PFM), ceramics or zirconia and all-porcelain bridges. Porcelain is usually preferred, as it looks more like your natural teeth and is less sensitive to hot and cold foods. In addition, new advancements in bonding materials and stronger ceramics have enabled them to be created from porcelain with reinforced ceramic sub-structures.
They Are Easy to Maintain
Dental bridges can be long-lasting solutions for missing teeth if they are properly cared for. They need to be brushed and flossed as normal, with special attention being given to the area where the bridge connects to the natural teeth. Special tools, such as interproximal brushes or floss threaders, can help to remove food debris and keep the area clean. It is also important to avoid chewing hard foods such as nuts, ice or raw vegetables that could damage the restoration. Regular visits to the dentist are also a good idea so that any problems can be identified and addressed quickly.
If you do not follow these guidelines, the life expectancy of your dental bridge may be significantly reduced and it can lead to other health problems. A bridge that is not well cared for can cause the natural teeth surrounding it to shift into the gap, leading to bite changes and other dental issues.
Whether your dental bridge is made from porcelain fused to metal, gold or some other material, it can be a great choice for replacing missing teeth and restoring the function of your smile. A well-cared for bridge can last a lifetime and will look very similar to your natural teeth. To learn more about dental bridges and what they can do for you, schedule a consultation with your dentist today!