A dental bridge is made up of false teeth that fill the space caused by one or more missing teeth. A pontic is a false tooth that is fused between two crowns and serves as an anchor by following your teeth on each side of the false tooth, bridging the gap. These bridges can be supported by either real teeth or dental implants.
Our dentists at Blessing Dental Care have the knowledge and experience to provide the modern dental procedures required to construct bridges that help teeth function properly. With proper care, good oral hygiene and maintenance, dental bridges can survive for several years. A bridge can be a good alternative to a denture.
Different Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional fixed bridge for teeth
To cover the gap caused by a missing tooth, your “false tooth” is attached between two porcelain crowns. Two crowns attach to your teeth on either side of the false tooth to keep it in place. This type of bridge is used to replace one or more teeth.
Dental Bridge with a Cantilever
For less stressed parts of the mouth, such as the front teeth, your dentist may recommend a cantilever bridge. When a “false tooth” is solely supported on one side, a cantilever dental bridge is used. In this case, the outcome will be cosmetic, but fewer teeth will be treated.
Maryland Dental Bridges and Resin-bonded Dental Bridges
This type of dental bridge is used to bridge the gaps between the front teeth. The advantage is that your teeth will require little or no preparation. The “false tooth” is then fused to ceramic or metal “wings” that are resin-bonded to the “abutment” teeth. Because the wings are invisible, the porcelain seems to be a real tooth.
Bridges Supported by Dental Implants
Implants are an excellent method of replacing a missing tooth. An implant will be inserted in the bone where the tooth’s root used to be. When it has bonded to the bone, it will be repaired with crowns or an implant-supported bridge may be used if more than one tooth is lost. If you don’t have any teeth in one or both jaws, an implant can be inserted and an implant-supported bridge can be securely fastened.
Dental Bridge Procedure At Your Paisley Dentist
- The surrounding tooth/teeth are thoroughly examined, and an X-ray is performed to ensure the tooth/teeth roots are healthy.
- The tooth next to it will be prepped, and digital scans will be taken. After that, a temporary repair is provided.
- The iTero handheld wand will capture a digital and 3D image of your teeth, eliminating the need for imprints, which can make some people feel uncomfortable. The digital image will then be delivered to the laboratory, and work on the bridge can begin immediately.
- The final bridge will be installed a week or so later.
Aftercare for the Bridge
There are a few things you can do to keep your bridge clean and extend its life. The Blessing Dental Care recommends the following steps for ensuring good bridge care and good oral health in general:
- Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
- Floss once a day to remove minute food particles that may become lodged between the teeth.
- Visit your dentist once every six months for a complete cleaning.
- Eat a well-balanced diet high in vegetables, fruits, and fibre.
FAQs
What is the expected lifespan of my dental bridges?
Bridges for teeth can last up to seven years, or even longer. You can make the fixed bridge last longer by taking good care of your teeth, cleaning your mouth often, and going to the dentist regularly.
Will it be Hard for me to Eat when I have Bridges?
When fixed bridges are bonded to the teeth they support and connect to the crown, it’s generally not hard to eat. It is easy to eat, chew, sip, and swallow when your bridge is fixed.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Dental bridges often need two dental visits separated by one to two weeks.
Can You Always Replace Gaps in Your Smile with a Dental Bridge?
There are times when a bridge might not be suitable due to the teeth that must support the bridge not being strong enough. Your dentist will advise you on the best technique to replace missing teeth. If this is the case your dental practice will advise you of the range of quality dentistry options and cosmetic treatments including the solution to missing teeth available that are best suited to provide you with the natural looking an confident smile you desire.