Dental Bridges? Why Not?
Missing teeth are more than cosmetic dental procedures, though they are treated as such. The gaps in your teeth are detrimental to your appearance as well as your dental structure. It’s therefore important to have the gaps filled and dental crowns are ideal. At Rejuvenate Dental Arts, we offer dental bridges in Bethel to restore your smile and function.
Still in doubt, here are a few things you need to know about bridges:
They Are Versatile
Dental bridges are made of two crowns and fixed on either side of the gap to support the false tooth. The pontics are available in gold, ceramic, porcelain, alloy, or a combination of different materials.
The dental bridges not only fix your missing teeth but will restore your facial and dental structure by preventing the teeth from shifting to the available spaces.
The bridges are also available in different types which differ in design. You can choose any of these types depending on your dental condition and preference:
- Traditional or conventional bridges are made of porcelain or ceramic. Furthermore, they are composed of two crowns fixed on either side of the gap to support the false tooth. To have these bridges, you need to have healthy teeth
- Cantilever bridges cover one side of the missing tooth.
- Maryland bridges or resin-bonded are curved from plastic and are held in place by metal framework
In recent years, some people have opted for implant-supported dental bridges. These bridges contain a metal post that is fixed to the jawbone to offer firm support. Compared to these other types, implant-supported bridges are long-lasting. But on the downside, they are not for everyone. You need to have healthy bones to support the metal post.
The Process Isn’t Lengthy
The length of the dental bridge procedure will depend on the type. All the above-mentioned bridge types except for the implant-supported bridges need on average three dental visits.
1. Dental assessment
On your first appointment, our dentist in Bethel, CT will assess your dental health and choose the right dental bridge.
2. Tooth preparation
Next, the dentist will trim your enamel to make room for the crowns. You will not feel any pain as local anesthesia will be used to numb the area. Your dental impression will be taken to make the crowns, a process that will last for two to three weeks. Meanwhile, the dentist will give you a temporary bridge to protect the teeth.
3. Fixing of the permanent crowns
The second dental appointment involves fixing permanent dental bridges. The dentist will use a dental cement and laser light to harden the bridge in place.
A follow-up appointment may be set for assessment.
A Few Complications Can Develop
Although a few complications can arise, you can easily avoid them. Some of the complications include:
- Food particle accumulation. The bridges are made to lie on your gum line. However, if they are not fixed properly there may be spaces in between which will cause food particles to accumulate leading bacteria growth and cause tooth decay.
- The dental bridge might fail. Chewing or biting hard objects will cause the bridges to loosen and you will need to have them replaced
- You may develop an infection after treatment
You can avoid these problems with these tips:
- Check and ensure the bridges fit properly before leaving the dental clinic
- Practice good oral hygiene to prevent food accumulation
- Avoid chewing or biting hard foods
- Schedule regular dental checkups, at least every six months
- Get professional dental cleaning to remove tartar
What Happens After the Procedure?
There will be discomfort after the bridges are fixed, but will clear up after a few days. Eating and speaking may be a challenge for the first few days as you get used to the bridges.
Come for A Smile Makeover
Dental bridges are a great option for fixing your smile. Plus, with proper care, these bridges can last for more than ten years. When you are ready to transform your smile, come to our dental clinic for your tooth bridge treatment.