A Guide to Dental Bridges

Missing teeth can completely change the way we look. Empty spaces inside our mouths can influence the way we eat, talk, and the way we handle ourselves in social situations. Fortunately, there are several ways through which missing teeth can be replaced. One of such methods is dental bridges. Bridges are essentially false teeth that are used to create a healthy, beautiful smile. These prosthetics are mainly applied in aesthetic dentistry to "bridge" the gaps.

The Various kinds of dental bridges:

There are mainly three kinds of dental bridges:

Cantilever bridges: these bridges are used when just one abutment projection surrounds the space.

Traditional bridges: traditional bridges are made with porcelain. These prosthetics are permanently attached and cannot be taken out of the mouth.

Maryland bonded bridges: Also known as resin-bonded bridges, such bridges are mainly used for the front teeth. They are an excellent choice when the abutment teeth are strong, healthy and do not have large fillings.

The Process:

Once the expert decides that bridges are the best option, treatment planning begins. Dentists discuss the materials that can be used for the bridges. The choice of dental bridge will depend on several factors such as the patient’s dental insurance coverage and patient’s oral health.

The procedure of getting bridges is very simple. It begins with preparing the patient’s abutment teeth. This involves re-contouring the projections by scraping off a small amount of enamel so that crowns can be put over them. Once this is done, a model or impression of the teeth is taken to create the bridge and crowns in the lab. Meanwhile, the patient is asked to wear a temporary bridge to secure the exposed teeth while the permanent ones are being created.

Once the new bridges have been created, they are adjusted and checked to get them fitted properly. Follow up visits are then required so that the patient’s metal framework and bite can be adjusted accordingly.

Advantages Of Dental Bridges:

• With the latest advancements in dentistry, installing a bridge is an extremely simple procedure.
• The procedure saves a lot of time and can be completed in two visits.
• Dental bridges are extremely natural in look.
• They help in maintaining the patient’s facial tone and stopping any facial musculature changes.
• If the patient maintains proper oral hygiene, bridges can reduce the problem of gum disease and stop the tooth from tilting, shifting, or drifting.
• They offer a patient a beautiful, healthy, well-aligned smile and assist in correcting bite issues and enhancing the patient’s ability to talk properly.
• The chewing efficiency of the patient is increased as the bite force is equally distributed after the bridge is installed.
• Bridges are less expensive and less invasive in comparison to implants or any other restorative procedure.
• Fixed bridges must last for as many as 10 years or more, given the patient follows good oral practices.

Using fixing bridges to make up for missing teeth has several benefits. They can resolve all kinds of problems pertaining to missing projections such as, problems in chewing, eating, and speaking. Moreover, they also enhance a patient’s beautiful smile and overall look. However, it is very important to look after such bridges with the same intensity and care as natural teeth. When a patient maintains proper oral hygiene, good diet and visits a dentist regularly, dental bridges can last for several years. It is also important to get these bridges from reputed clinics. There are several dental offices in California that deal with cosmetic dentistry specifically. They have the latest equipment and resources to provide their patients with lasting beautiful smiles.