Dental bridges are a type of fixed dental restoration that allows you to replace missing teeth. These prosthetics work by attaching to dental implants or adjacent teeth, creating a “bridge” over the gap in your smile.
There are four classic types of dental bridges. The traditional variety comprises a set of false teeth held in place by crowns, cemented to the abutment of the intervening teeth. It is currently the most popular type of dental bridges and is useful for patients in Petaluma, California, who have natural teeth on either side of the gap.
The next type is cantilever dental bridges. These are similar to traditional versions except the bridge is held in place by a single abutment tooth, not two.
Maryland is another variety of dental bridge. These use two abutment teeth, just as traditional bridges. But, instead, the abutments are a porcelain or metal framework bonded to the backs of abutment teeth.
Lastly, you can get implant-supported dental bridges. These use implants instead of crowns or frameworks to hold the bridge in position.
The Benefits Of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a popular innovation because of their ability to help you recover your smile. Here are some of the benefits you can expect from the treatment in Petaluma, CA.
When you have missing teeth in your mouth, your existing teeth can move in an attempt to fill the gap. And this can change the shape of your smile.
Dental bridges, however, stop teeth from moving and allow them to remain natural-looking.
If you lose too many teeth, it can affect the shape of your jawbone. The lack of force transmission from the mouth to the bone causes wasting of bone cells and reduces production. Bridges restore your biting surface, replacing the role of regular teeth, preventing tooth loss from occurring.
Both speaking and chewing can be challenging when you are missing teeth. For instance, it can be hard to eat foods that haven’t been puréed, or you may find saying certain letters or syllables difficult.
Bridges help with chewing and speaking difficulties by eliminating annoying gaps. After you have them fitted, your mouth will feel the same as it did in the past.
Lastly, getting dental bridges helps you boost your confidence. Eliminating gaps makes you more likely to smile, especially in social situations.
Dental Bridge Procedure
Getting a dental bridge requires first going to your dentist and getting the abutment teeth prepared. Usually, this involves removing a portion of the enamel to allow the dentist to fit a crown over the top of them. The next step is to take impressions of your teeth which will serve as the model for various parts of the prosthetic, including the crowns, pontic and bridge.
At your first visit, the dentist will place a temporary bridge over any exposed sections of teeth. Then at the second visit after the lab fabricates your bridge, your dentist will fit it with dental cement.
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