Understanding Dental Bridges
If you have a few missing teeth, your dentist might advise you to get dental bridges. The following article will educate you on what dental bridges are, their applications and the process of getting them.
Dental Bridges Definition
Dental bridges serve the purpose of filling the gap between missing teeth. A bridge consists of two or several artificial teeth, also called pontics, that are held in place by tooth caps or crowns. The artificial teeth can be made from different materials from gold, silver amalgam to porcelain. These tooth caps are also referred to as abutment teeth. Dental bridges can either be supported by implants or your natural teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges?
- Restoring your smile
- Restoring your ability to speak and chew
- Maintaining your facial shape
- Restoring your bite by replacing the missing teeth
- Preventing teeth from getting out of place
The Process for Getting Dental Bridges
The first step involves recontouring your teeth by shedding some enamel to create room for the tooth caps. Next, your dentist will make impressions of your teeth to help in the crafting of the bridge, false teeth and tooth caps. Your dentist will design a temporary bridge for protecting the exposed gums and teeth while your bridge is being designed.
During your second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary bridge, and the new metal or porcelain bridge will be adjusted to fit your mouth. You might have to make several visits to the dentist for them to check your bite and the framework of the bridge. After a few weeks, the bridge will then be cemented in your mouth.
How Long Will Bridges Last?
Dental bridges may last for more than 15 years. With proper hygiene and frequent checkups, the life span of a bridge could go beyond 20 years.
Will Dental Bridges Make Eating Difficult?
Replacing your missing teeth with a bridge is actually supposed to make it easy for you to eat. Until you are accustomed to your bridge, stick to soft foods that are chopped into tiny pieces to make chewing easier.
How Does One Care For a Bridge?
The condition of your bridge depends on how you maintain the surrounding teeth. Bridges are mostly ruined by periodontal diseases and tooth decay. Ensure you maintain oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily to prevent decay and gum disease. It is also important to eat a balanced diet to keep the remaining teeth healthy. Contact a denture clinic for more information.
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