CUSTOM DENTAL BRIDGES
Dental bridges are a type of dental appliance that allows dentists to replace missing teeth to create a full, beautiful smile. It's vital that people have a full set of working teeth to maintain proper alignment and contribute to speech and eating mechanics. When someone is missing a tooth, it not only impacts their self-esteem, but it can also cause problems with their oral health.
CONSIDER A DENTAL BRIDGE
Patients might consider having a bridge placed in their mouth when they are missing teeth. A bridge can help support eating and speech functions, as well as keep the shape of your midface in a more natural alignment. When there are gaps in your teeth, existing teeth can move and crowd other teeth. This can cause additional problems that could have been avoided by having a bridge placed. There is an increased risk of developing oral diseases, such as gum disease, when teeth are left untreated and have gaps. Opting for a bridge now could save you a lot of problems in the future.
THE DIFFERENT DENTAL BRIDGES
There are several types of bridges that dentists use on a regular basis. Depending on the number of teeth missing and the overall oral health of a patient, dentists may opt for one type of dental bridge over another. Understanding your options can help you engage in the decision-making process for your oral health. Here are the various types of dental bridges currently being used in the industry today.
Fixed Bridges
One type of bridge that dentists commonly use is known as a fixed bridge. This restoration is used to replace missing teeth by either adhering abutments (surrounding teeth) to existing teeth or using a bridge to adhere the replacement tooth with a series of crowns on either side of the new tooth to hold it in place.
Maryland Bridge
Maryland bridges are commonly used for front teeth. They are a particular kind of bridge that is hidden behind existing teeth and bonded with white composite resin to hold the bridge in place.
Cantilever Bridge
This type of bridge is used to replace teeth between two other teeth. It has the classic look of a dental bridge but is supported by surrounding teeth for stability and longevity. It is also used when there are missing teeth on only one side of the mouth.
HOW A BRIDGE IS PLACED
After discussing the best restorative option with your dentist, impressions are taken, and X-rays might be taken to determine the strength of the existing teeth. Afterward, the surrounding teeth may be filed down to make room for the crowns, which will be placed over them to create the "bridge" where the new tooth (pontic) will rest. Impressions or molds will be taken to create the new tooth, and a temporary crown is fabricated to hold the space while the new bridge is made. Once the restoration is returned to your dentist's office from the dental lab, the bridge will be adhered to the surrounding teeth. Fixed bridges are adhered using dental cement, and will be a permanent solution for your missing teeth.
DENTAL BRIDGE EXPENSE
The area where you live, the number of teeth you need to replace, and the type of bridge you ultimately choose as your solution all affect the cost of a bridge. Our office can assist you with accessing your benefits plan before proceeding with any dental procedure. There could be coverage toward preparation, x-rays, and aftercare related to your dental bridges. What's more, most dental offices offer some form of payment plan so that you can get the smile you've always wanted, even on a budget. Having a full set of teeth is important to your overall health as well as your oral health, so speak to your dentist today if you think you might be a good candidate for a dental bridge.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR DENTAL BRIDGE
After the procedure to place a bridge has been completed, you'll want to schedule follow-up appointments with your dentist. After that, you can go about your regular habits, eating and drinking. While modern ceramics are a solid material, you should treat your dental bridge with the same concern you treat your real teeth with - bridges can break and crack just like real teeth. If you are in an accident or experience trauma to your facial area, your bridge could become damaged. If you have any pain associated with your bridge, contact your dentist immediately.
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