Dental bridges serve to fill the space left by missing teeth, utilizing two or more crowns for the adjacent teeth, referred to as abutment teeth, and false teeth known as pontics. These pontics, crafted from materials like gold, alloys, or porcelain, connect the crowns and can be a blend of these substances. The support for dental bridges comes from natural teeth or implants.
The prevalent form typically comprises two crowns, crafted from porcelain or metal, permanently affixed to your natural teeth on either side of the gap, encasing the false tooth (or teeth) in between.
This device, as its name suggests, effectively spans the space in your smile. Dentists have the ability to craft personalized bridges that perfectly blend in with the color of your original teeth.
What advantages do Dental Bridges Offer?
Bridges have the capability to:
Revive your smile
Restore the ability to chew and speak effectively
Preserve the natural shape of your face
Properly distribute bite forces by replacing missing teeth
Prevent the shifting of remaining teeth out of their positions
How Does One Obtain a Dental Bridges?
In the initial appointment for a dental bridge, the abutment teeth undergo preparation. This process entails reshaping these teeth by eliminating a portion of the enamel to create space for the placement of a crown over them. Afterward, impressions of the teeth are taken, serving as a blueprint for the construction of the bridge, pontic, and crowns by a dental laboratory. Meanwhile, your dentist will create a temporary bridge to safeguard the exposed teeth and gums during the fabrication of the permanent bridge.
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On your second visit, the temporary bridge is taken out, and the new porcelain or metal bridge undergoes inspection and necessary adjustments to ensure a perfect fit. Several appointments might be necessary to assess the fit of the metal framework and the bite, tailored to each individual’s specific case. For a fixed dental bridges, your dentist might temporarily secure it in place using cement for a couple of weeks to ensure the fitting is accurate. Subsequently, after this period, the bridge is permanently cemented into position.
What is the Price of Dental Bridges?
The pricing for dental bridges fluctuates based on the chosen bridge type and the geographical location where the procedure is carried out. Dental insurance commonly covers a portion of the cost, determined by the specifics of the individual’s dental plan.
What’s the Lifespan of Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges typically endure from five to 15 years, and sometimes even more. Adequate oral care and routine checkups often extend the lifespan of a fixed bridge well beyond a decade.
Is Eating Challenging with a Dental Bridge?
Using a dental bridges to replace missing teeth should improve your eating experience. Initially, while adjusting to the bridge, it’s advisable to consume soft foods cut into smaller portions.
Could a Dental Bridge Affect My Speech?
Speaking clearly can be challenging in the absence of teeth. However, wearing a dental bridge that restores the anterior teeth to their correct alignment can significantly aid in speaking properly.Top of Form
What’s the Best Way to Maintain a Bridge?
It is important to keep remaining teeth healthy and strong as the success of the bridge (depending on the type selected) depends on the solid foundation offered by the surrounding teeth. Cleaning your teeth twice a day, along with daily flossing and the use of an antiseptic mouthwash, aids in preventing tooth decay and gum disease, reducing the risk of tooth loss. Your dentist or dental hygienist can illustrate the correct techniques for brushing and flossing teeth. Maintaining a consistent cleaning routine assists in early detection of issues, leading to more favorable treatment outcomes. Additionally, opting for a well-balanced diet ensures adequate nutrition, which is equally crucial.
What other options exist instead of dental bridges?
Several methods exist for replacing missing teeth. It’s crucial to consider and discuss all available options with your dentist. Some alternatives to bridges comprise:
Complete or partial dentures (artificial teeth) – Removable frameworks made of plastic or metal with attached false teeth.
Dental implants – Porcelain tooth replicas (crowns) affixed onto titanium implants inserted directly into the jawbone.
Your dentist will assist in determining the most suitable choice for your situation. While dentures and bridges are NHS-provided when deemed clinically essential for tooth replacement, dental implants are typically accessible through private dental services.
What is the procedure for fitting dental bridge?
In crafting the bridge, your dentist will capture an impression of your mouth. This process entails forming a plaster model of your teeth and gums, enabling the creation of a bridge that closely aligns with your mouth’s contours. Additionally, your dentist will select the appropriate shade for the bridge to ensure it blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
A skilled lab technician customizes the bridge based on the dentist’s specifications. Meanwhile, your dentist may install a temporary option, like a plastic bridge or crown, to serve while your personalized bridge is being created.
Upon completion, your dentist will install your newly crafted bridge. Before commencing the procedure, you’ll receive a local anesthetic injection, numbing your gums and preventing any discomfort. You’ll remain conscious throughout the procedure. Your dentist will verify the comfortable fit by assessing your bite to ensure proper alignment with the bridge in position.
Following the fitting of your bridge
After the installation of a dental bridge, you may experience some gum soreness or mild sensitivity to hot and cold foods or beverages. The new tooth might also feel unfamiliar initially as it occupies the previous gap. However, these discomforts typically subside within a few days. Occasionally, new teeth might slightly alter your bite sensation. Your dentist can address minor issues like this through adjustments during subsequent follow-up appointments.
Bridges remain fixed permanently, eliminating the need for removal during cleaning. To maintain the health of your natural teeth, it’s essential to clean the space beneath a bridge using specialized dental floss. Your dentist or hygienist will provide guidance on flossing beneath your bridge. With proper care, a bridge can endure for numerous years
