Fix Your Gaps with Dental Bridges
Having missing teeth not only affects your appearance but will significantly alter your dental structure and cause other problems. Our dentist in West Palm Beach, FL will offer dental bridges among other dental treatments to improve the appearance of your teeth.
What Are Dental Bridges and Why Do You Need Them?
Dental bridges are connectors that close the gaps in your mouth. These dental restorations are made up of two or more crowns that are fixed on both sides of the gap to support the false tooth.
The bridges are made of different material such as gold, porcelain, alloy, or a combination of these materials.
The dentist may prefer dental bridges for various reasons:
- To cover and close the gaps caused by missing teeth
- Maintain your facial structure and dental function
- Prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting
- Distribute the dental force evenly
Are Dental Bridges Better Than Implants?
Both dental bridges and implants offer a similar solution for the same problem—cover gaps and restore dental integrity. Dental bridges are ideal if you have healthy surrounding teeth and prefer a non-surgical dental procedure. On the downside, these bridges don’t last forever—on average they can last for 15 years, thereafter they are replaced.
Dental bridges cover your teeth without the inconvenience of surgery. implants, on the other hand, are surgically fixed to the jawbone but have lifetime support.
These two restorative dental support are effective, but only the dentist can help you choose the ideal treatment based on your oral health.
What Options Are Available?
The dental bridges are available in different types:
- Traditional bridges have two crowns cemented to support the false teeth. Both teeth on either side should be healthy to hold the bridge
- Cantilever bridges use one crown or abutment instead of two and are ideal if you only have one healthy tooth
- Maryland bridges are held in place using metal or porcelain framework
- Implant-supported bridges use a metal post to hold the bridge in place
What Does the Procedure Involve?
All these dental bridges are fixed differently. For instance, the traditional and cantilever bridges require the enamel to be grounded down to make room for the crowns, while the Maryland bridge doesn’t. However, regardless of the type, the dental installation follows the same procedure.
- Assessment
On your first dental appointment, our dentist in West Palm Beach, FL will assess your dental health to determine if the dental bridges are suitable. Digital imaging may be done to examine your roots and condition for the surrounding teeth.
- Teeth preparation
Since the dental bridges are fixed on the healthy teeth on either side, the dentist will trim the enamel and shape it for fitting. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area and reduce the discomfort.
Next, the dentist records the shade of your natural teeth to help in creating a suitable bridge. Thereafter, a dental impression will be taken for molding. It may take two to three weeks to get the bridges back, so in the meantime, a temporary bridge is fixed to protect the teeth from sensitivity. Depending on the bone structure, the dentist may decide to fix an implant to support the teeth.
- Fixing of the permanent bridges
The dentist removes the temporary bridge and cleans the teeth to remove any food particles. Using a special cement and laser light, the dentist will fix the bridge and harden it.
- Follow-up
A follow-up appointment will be set to check how the bridges fit and how well the gums are tolerating them.
What to Expect
After the procedure, the bridges will feel unfamiliar as you get used to them. Eating and speaking might be hard at first, but the discomfort will disappear with time.
Although the dental bridges don’t require any special care, you should have proper hygiene to promote durability. Don’t forget to come for your routine dental checkups.
Restore Your Smile
Dental bridges can fix your gaps and improve your appearance. So, if you are ready to have a smile makeover, call our dentist 33407 for a consultation.