Are Dental Bridges A Good Option For Missing Teeth Replacement?
Missing teeth cause a range of problems, from aesthetic to functional. People with missing teeth may feel self-conscious about their appearance and suffer from speech impediments. They can also lead to bone loss in the jaw, gum disease, and difficulty eating certain foods. Replacing missing teeth is, therefore, crucial to your oral health. Fortunately, several solutions are available, like dental bridges that can replace missing teeth.
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are fixed dental prostheses that replace one or more missing teeth. It is made up of artificial teeth attached to natural teeth on either side of the space where a tooth used to be. The artificial teeth are called pontics, replacing the root tips of existing teeth by connecting them with wire or other material.
Several types of dental bridges can be used to replace missing teeth. Here are some of them:
1. Cantilever bridge – This dental bridge is supported by one or more natural teeth at each end. It can only be used when there is space between the two teeth on each side of the gap with no other tooth in between.
2. Fixed bridge – A fixed dental bridge is supported by natural teeth on each end, with no removable parts. It can only be used when there is space between the two teeth on each side of the gap with no other tooth in between.
3. Maryland bridge is also a fixed bridge that uses a framework of metal instead of dental crowns to replace missing teeth.
Why Dental Bridges Better Teeth Replacement Option?
Dental bridges are made of natural-looking materials that blend in with your teeth, making them look and feel like your own. They also help to prevent further tooth loss by keeping the surrounding teeth from shifting out of place. With proper care, teeth bridges can last for many years, providing you with a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Dental bridges can be used for aesthetic and functional reasons, such as restoring chewing ability, improving speech, preventing remaining teeth from shifting out of position, and maintaining facial shape.
A tooth bridge can provide an alternative to dentures, partial dentures, or full-mouth reconstructions for missing tooth replacement. They’re less expensive than other options (such as partial dentures). Dental implants are also prohibitively expensive for some patients because they may need extensive work done on their jawbone to accommodate the implant.
Dental bridges last longer than other alternatives, like partial dentures, which tend to wear out faster and require regular maintenance.
What Happens During a Dental Bridge Procedure?
Getting dental bridges in Cambridge, ON, involves several steps spread across two dental visits. The first visit involves examination and preparation of the teeth, where the dentist will trim the enamel to create room for the pontics. Your dentist will take impressions to craft the permanent dental bridges and cover the reshaped ones with temporary ones as you wait.
The second dental visit occurs a couple of weeks after, which involves fixing the permanent dental bridges.
Aftercare Tips for Dental Bridges
Dental bridges last for a decade or more but with proper care. The most important thing after getting dental bridges is to take good care of them. Since dental bridges are fixed in place, you must brush and floss regularly to prevent tooth decay and gum diseases. You can also visit your dentist for regular checkups so he can spot any problem early; this way, you can avoid more complicated procedures later on. You should avoid eating sticky foods and chewing on hard objects, as these may damage the temporary or permanent dental bridges. It is also crucial to get fluoride treatment, strengthen teeth, and prevent dental cavities.
Schedule an Appointment
Bridges are often an excellent option for replacing missing teeth because they look natural and comfortable during everyday activities. Visit Floss Dental Cambridge for more information about dental bridges and what you can expect during the teeth bridge procedure.