Dealing with a missing tooth can feel like a blow to your self-confidence. It can affect your smile and make you feel self-conscious about eating or speaking. That’s where dental bridges come in as a reliable solution, bridging those gaps and restoring your smile.
If the thought of dental procedures makes you a bit squeamish, you’re not alone. We’re going to break down everything you need to know about dental bridges, from the types and procedure, to the benefits and aftercare. Together, we’ll help you make informed decisions about your overall oral health.
Understanding Dental Bridges: Your Path to a Restored Smile
So, what exactly is a dental bridge? It ‘bridges’ the space left by a missing tooth or teeth, much like a bridge over water. This dental restoration comprises two or more crowns on either side of the gap, called “anchor” teeth, and a false tooth, or “pontic,” in between.
These crowns are cemented onto the adjacent teeth for a sturdy base. Dental bridges are custom-made to blend in perfectly with your natural teeth, offering a natural-looking solution to tooth loss.
Exploring Different Types of Dental Bridges
Just like bridge designs for waterways, various dental bridges are available, each suited for different situations.
1. Traditional Dental Bridges
Traditional dental bridges are the most common. They’re used when you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap. Two crowns are fitted over the prepared adjacent teeth, anchoring the artificial tooth in the middle.
If you’re missing a tooth and have healthy teeth on either side, your dentist may recommend a traditional bridge. This reliable option is a go-to for many people. It effectively replaces missing teeth and restores your chewing function.
2. Cantilever Bridges
A cantilever bridge is used when you have a natural tooth on only one side of the gap. The pontic is anchored to one or more natural teeth on a single side.
Since they receive support from just one side, complications like fractured teeth or loosened crowns can arise..
Cantilever bridges are typically used for replacing front teeth. This is because chewing forces are less impactful in the front of the mouth.
3. Maryland Bridges
A Maryland bridge relies on a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of the two abutment teeth. Similar to traditional bridges, they require natural teeth on either side of the gap. These bridges, often used for front teeth, are known for their conservative preparation.
Your dentist might recommend a Maryland Bridge to preserve more of your natural tooth structure. This type of bridge offers a more conservative approach while still effectively replacing missing teeth.
4. Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
Considered one of the most durable options, an implant-supported bridge offers unparalleled stability. Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, it’s anchored by dental implants, small titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone.
Each missing tooth often gets its own implant. After a healing period, the implants fuse with your jawbone and a crown is placed over each implant. In cases where using one implant per missing tooth isn’t feasible, a pontic can be suspended between two implant-supported crowns.
This method ensures a stronger and more durable foundation, allowing the bridge to function like a regular tooth. Current trends in dental implants increasingly highlight this method’s efficacy in offering a longer-term solution.
Weighing the Benefits of Dental Bridges
Choosing a dental bridge over other tooth replacement options has its perks. Here are a few:
1. Improved Chewing and Speaking
A missing tooth can disrupt your bite and make chewing certain foods difficult. The gap can also impact your speech clarity. Dental bridges effectively address both issues, allowing you to chew comfortably and speak clearly again.
2. Enhanced Facial Aesthetics
Missing teeth can sometimes create a sunken facial appearance. By filling the gap, a dental bridge helps maintain the natural contours of your face, positively impacting your overall appearance and smile.
3. Prevention of Tooth Shifting
Teeth tend to drift into open spaces. This shifting can create bite problems and affect your facial symmetry. A dental bridge acts as a placeholder, preventing this movement and maintaining proper teeth alignment.
4. Long-Term Solution, Hassle-Free
Dental bridges, unlike dentures, are fixed restorations. You don’t have to remove them for cleaning or soaking. This is a significant advantage for people looking for a permanent fix for their missing teeth.
Procedure for Dental Bridge Placement: What to Expect
If you live in the Langley, BC area, we’re happy to say that, here at Walnut Grove Smiles, we offer all four types of bridges. Let’s talk you through what the process looks like.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
In your first appointment, we’ll examine your teeth and discuss your expectations. The, we’ll assess the health of your surrounding and take X-rays to find the most suitable bridge for you and any pre-treatment procedures.
Step 2: Preparation of Abutment Teeth
Once you and out team determine that a dental bridge is the best solution for your missing teeth, we will prepare the abutment teeth. These are the teeth on either side of the gap.
Preparation involves reshaping the abutment teeth by removing a portion of the enamel to allow for proper placement. Don’t worry, we use a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
Step 3: Impressions
Then, we take detailed impressions of your prepped teeth to fabricate a perfectly fitting dental bridge. This might involve biting into a gooey material or a digital scan to capture precise images of your teeth and gums.
Step 4: Temporary Bridge Placement
Next, you’ll receive a temporary bridge to protect your prepped teeth and gums while the lab crafts your permanent bridge. While not a long-term solution, it restores function and appearance during the waiting period.
Step 5: Permanent Bridge Placement
Once your custom-made bridge is ready, we’ll check its fit, make any minor adjustments, and permanently cements it onto the abutment teeth or implants, seamlessly closing the gap. This is the final step in the dental bridge procedure.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge: Making it Last
Just like your natural teeth, your dental bridge require good oral hygiene regular dental cleanings. Here are a few additional ways to keep things in line.
1. Oral Hygiene: The Golden Rule
Continue to brush your teeth twice daily and floss once daily, paying attention to the area around your bridge. Flossing with a bridge involves flossing around your natural teeth and between the bridge’s base and gum tissue.
Specialized floss threaders and interdental brushes are available to thoroughly clean around and under your bridge. Good oral hygiene helps prevent the need for a root canal on your abutment teeth.
2. Dental Visits
Regular check-ups and professional cleanings are crucial. During these visits, your dentist will evaluate your bridge for wear and tear and clean those hard-to-reach areas. Preventive maintenance can save you from potential issues in the future.
Restore Your Confident Smile
While a dental bridge is a commitment, the rewards are plentiful. From restoring your confident smile to improving your oral health, a bridge offers a path to a happier, healthier you.
Taking that first step towards exploring dental bridges could be the start of reclaiming your confidence and enjoying like to the fullest – and we’d be more than happy to be a part of that process with you. Contact us today to schedule your first visit!