What You Need to Know About Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is made up of two or more crowns fitted within the gap that the missing teeth leave. The crowns or false teeth are called pontics. Dental technologists create the pontics from gold, porcelain, alloys, or a mixture of the materials. Natural teeth or implants support the bridge.
Available Types of Dental Bridges
There are major types of dental bridges;
Traditional Dental Bridges
Traditional bridges are the most types of bridges popular among dentists. The bridges may be made of ceramic material or porcelain fused with metal. When placing conventional bridges, the dental technologist creates a crown or an implant for the teeth on either side with a pontic in between.
Cantilever Dental Bridges
Cantilever bridges involve placing a pontic where there is an adjacent natural tooth on one side of the missing tooth or teeth. Dentists do not commonly use these bridges and discourage their use on the back of the mouth since they can put much force on the adjacent teeth damaging them.
Maryland Bonded Dental Bridges
Also known as resin-bonded bridges, they are made of porcelain fused to metal or plastic and supported by a metal or porcelain framework. The dentist does the bonding of the metal or porcelain framework to an existing natural tooth on one side of the gap.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
Bridges offer several benefits, including:
- Restore your ability to chew and speak without difficulty
- Maintain the shape of your face
- Restore your smile
- By replacing the missing teeth, they distribute the forces in your bite
- Prevent the adjacent teeth from drifting out of position
Process of Getting a Dental Bridges in Spring, TX
At a dentist’s office in Spring, TX, you will require more than a single visit to get your dental bridge successfully fitted.
During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the abutment teeth. Abutment teeth preparation involves shedding some parts of the adjacent tooth enamel to allow the placing of a crown. Next, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth to aid the creation of abutment teeth, crowns, and politics in a dental lab.
Finally, the dentist will place a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums as you wait for a permanent one.
During the second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary bridge. He or she will then place the permanent bridge and make
adjustments to ensure it properly fits.
To check the fit of the metal framework or bite, your dentist will recommend more visits. However, this depends on individual cases. If it is a fixed bridge, he or she might temporarily cement it. The dentist will then permanently cement the fixed bridge after a couple of weeks.
How Efficient Are Dental Bridges?
Replacing a missing tooth with a bridge should make biting and chewing easier. However, until you are entirely accustomed to the dental bridge, normalize consuming soft foods.
Can dental bridges last long? The answer is yes. Bridges can last from 5 to 15 years if you take good care of them. With good oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups, the lifespan of your bridges can be more than ten years.
Taking Care of a Dental Bridge
The efficiency of your dental bridge depends on your oral hygiene practices. The foundation offered by the surrounding teeth determines the period your bridge will last. Therefore, you should ensure your teeth are healthy and strong.
To achieve a healthy oral cavity, you can do the following:
- Brush your teeth twice using fluoride toothpaste
- Floss at least once daily to remove plaque and tartar in places your toothbrush can not reach
- Schedule regular professional cleanings with your oral hygienist
- Avoid using any tobacco products
- Put on a mouthguard when playing contact sports to avoid damaging your dental bridge
- Do not bite on hard foods and objects or chew on ice
- Eat a balanced diet especially foods rich in calcium
Dental Bridges Near Me
Are you a resident of Spring, TX, and in need of dental bridges? Dr. Paul Graf DDS is a dentist with years of experience in the same field. With modern technology and passionate staff, he will ensure you will receive satisfactory results. Visit his dental clinic in 77379 and get your dental bridges.