Dental bridges are used to replace the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is usually made a two or more crowns for the tooth on either side also referred to as abutment teeth with false teeth in between. Dental bridges are supported by either natural teeth or implants.

Benefits

  • Restore your smile
  • Fixes the ability to chew and speak properly
  • Maintains the shape of your face
  • Through replacing the missing teeth it distributes the bite evenly
  • Prevents remaining teeth from drifting out of position

First visit: Examination and preparation of the tooth.

X-rays may be required so as to check the roots, crowns and the surrounding bone tissue. In the case of any risky infection or injury a root canal treatment operation must be performed. Before making a crown the dentist numbs the tooth and gum tissues around the tooth. The tooth receiving the crown is filed on the chewing surface and side to create room for the crown.

The type of crown used depends on the amount of teeth removed, for example, all-metal crowns are thinner and require a lesser tooth structure. After reshaping the tooth, the dentist uses paste so as to make an impression of the tooth both above and below, this is done to ensure that the crown will not affect your bite.

Traditional Bridges

A crown is created for the tooth or implants and placed on either side of the missing tooth, with false teeth in between. This type of dental bridges is the most commonly used and they are either made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.

Dental implants versus dental bridges

Durability: Comparatively, dental implants are more durable than bridges because they are long lasting if well taken off. In accordance to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), the implants are made of titanium, which merges with the jawbone naturally. Also, they are made of strong metal, which prevents tooth decay.

Aesthetics: As compared to bridges, implants are the most suitable for an aesthetic value, the overall result is spectacular. Additionally, implants can be put as soon as possible after tooth extraction, giving the teeth a more natural look, at the same time preserving its natural level.

How long do they last?

Dental bridges lasts five to 15 years, perhaps even longer, depending on a good oral hygiene and regular dentist visits. Eating with a dental bridge is easier if you have gotten yourself accustomed to it, at first you should eat soft foods that have been cut into small pieces.

Before installing dental bridges speaking is difficult because teeth are missing, after installation you are able to speak properly.

Cantilever Bridges

Mainly used when there are is a missing tooth or teeth on one side of an adjacent one. It is neither common nor highly recommended on the back of the mouth allocation, because it puts much force on the other teeth; hence, damaging them.

Maryland bonded Bridges

Primarily, they are made of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal or plastic. These bridges are supported by a metal porcelain framework, the metal and porcelain type are usually used on one side of the bridge to replace existing teeth.

Process

The abutment teeth are prepared during the first visit to the dentist in getting a dental bridge. First, the teeth are re-contoured and this is done by removing an enamel portion to give room to a crown to be placed over them. Next, teeth impressions are constructed, which serves as a model whereby the bridge, pontics, and crowns will be made at the dental lab. The dentist will give the wearer temporary bridges so as to protect the exposed part.

The second visit involves the temporary bridges being removed, the porcelain or metal bridge, which are checked and adjusted before placement so as to achieve a perfect fit. Multiple visits are required because it creates the perfect bite to the wearer and improves on the general face movement. For your information, if the bridge is a fixed one, the dentist cements it temporarily for a few weeks to make sure that it is fitting, if the fit is right then it will be fixed permanently.

How to take care of a Bridge

As mentioned, similar to the teeth, a dental bridge must be kept clean by brushing twice a day, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash delay to prevent gum diseases and tooth decay. It is important to always eat a balanced diet with proper nutrition.

Cost

The cost of dental bridges depends on the type of bridge selected and the area in which the operation performed. Our Dental insurance covers you on an individual plan.

Problems associated with Bridges

Accumulation of food particles: Bridges are meant to have a proper fit against your gum line; however, a poorly fitting device causes the formation of deep pockets, which traps food in between the bridges. Keep in mind that if you do not clean your teeth at all it would lead to formation of a plaque progressing to gum diseases.

Development of tartar: Bridges work well when they are permanently fixed thus makes it hard to clean the area. As mentioned, Bacteria accumulates, which mixes with the saliva forming a plaque hardening to tartar. Additionally, this condition is hard to remove leading to gingivitis or periodontisis; it needs to be cleaned by a dentist.

Damage to the bridge: Once you have your bridges installed, you need to take care of it to avoid further issues. This includes chewing hard foods extensively, which would only damage the bridge.

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