Dental bridges fill in the space left by a missing tooth and improve both appearance and function. They help prevent teeth from shifting into the empty space, a common problem that can result in gum disease.
They also make it easier to eat and speak properly, avoiding issues like a lisp. They are easy to maintain, but do require good oral hygiene to reduce the buildup of plaque.
Aesthetics
Tooth loss can cause gaps in the mouth and negatively impact a person’s smile and self-esteem. Dental bridges address this problem, by replacing the missing tooth and enhancing the beauty of the smile. They also help avoid the complications of tooth loss, including lisps and poor enunciation.
Cosmetic bridges offer a variety of aesthetic options that are customized to meet the needs and preferences of each patient. They are crafted from materials like porcelain, which replicates the color and texture of natural teeth.
Unlike other restorations, such as dentures and implants, dental bridges are fixed in place once the dentist has installed them. This is because they are anchored to adjacent healthy teeth or dental implants, a process known as bonding. During the procedure, the dentist will prepare the surrounding teeth that are going to hold the bridge by drilling out any decay or cavities. Then, they will take impressions of the affected area using a putty-like material. This will serve as the blueprint for constructing the bridge in a lab.
The most common type of dental bridge is the traditional one, which consists of an artificial tooth (pontic) held in place by crowned abutment teeth. Dentists can also create cantilever bridges, which use only a single abutment tooth. This means that they are less invasive than the traditional type, but they may not be as strong.
Function
Dental bridges are one of the best tooth replacement options for both function and aesthetic correction. They fill in the gap of missing teeth, making it easier for patients to chew and speak normally. They also help prevent the remaining natural teeth from shifting out of alignment, which can lead to further problems and pain in the mouth.
To place a dental bridge, the dentist injects a local anesthetic into the teeth that will serve as abutments. They then prepare these teeth by removing any enamel that could interfere with the fit of the crowns. The abutment teeth are then crowned by attaching them to the bridge’s pontic using dental cement.
After the procedure, the patient can continue to brush and floss their teeth as usual. They should visit the dentist for regular checkups and hygienist appointments to ensure their gums remain healthy. It is also important to note that, although bridges are permanent, they can still be damaged if the surrounding teeth are neglected.
The main advantage of dental bridges is that they don’t require surgery, so patients can usually return to their normal lives much more quickly than with other tooth replacement options. However, they still rely on the remaining natural teeth for support, so it’s important to keep these teeth healthy. In addition, it’s best to avoid eating hard foods or putting excessive pressure on the bridge’s abutments.
Comfort
One of the main benefits of dental bridges is that they feel just as comfortable as natural teeth. You won’t have any problem eating, chewing and speaking after the procedure, and the comfort should kick in almost immediately once the anaesthetic wears off.
This is especially important for patients who have lost all or most of their teeth, as it can be difficult to chew some types of food and even to pronounce certain words without a full set of natural teeth. Bridges restore both these problems, which can give patients a massive boost in confidence and wellbeing.
They also protect the mouth from further problems. The gap created by a missing tooth can cause other teeth to shift out of place, which can affect bite patterns and lead to further problems down the line. Bridges prevent this, as they fill the empty space and keep the other teeth in proper alignment.
As a side note, there are different types of dental bridges, which can affect the comfort and appearance. The most common type uses resin cement to affix a false tooth (or teeth) to healthy abutment teeth that have been fitted with crowns. The abutment teeth may be made from metal, gold or porcelain, depending on your situation. However, newer bridges can be entirely metal-free, such as those made from zirconia, which are extremely strong and look very natural.
Maintenance
While a dental bridge can greatly improve function and aesthetics after tooth loss, it does require care to extend its lifespan. Taking steps to practice good oral hygiene and avoid bad habits, like using teeth to open packages or biting on hairpins, can significantly increase the longevity of dental bridges. Additionally, regularly visiting Town Dental – Excelsior for routine cleanings and checkups can help to keep both the dental bridge and the natural teeth that support it healthy.
Just like natural teeth, dental bridges require regular brushing to prevent tooth decay and maintain good oral health. We recommend brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each time with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Dental floss is also important to remove food debris and plaque from hard-to-reach areas. In addition to flossing we recommend the use of a water flosser, such as a Waterpik, to rinse out your mouth and dislodge food debris that may be stuck in between teeth.
It is also recommended to visit your dentist or hygienist every six months for professional cleanings. This helps to eliminate plaque buildup that can cause inflammation of the gums and deterioration of the surrounding teeth. If you are experiencing any problems with your dental bridge, such as sensitivity or clicking, it is crucial to contact us immediately so that we can address these issues and repair the bridge as needed.