Dental bridges are made up of artificial teeth that close spaces between teeth and dental crowns that are placed on the teeth closest to the gap. These oral prosthetics are typically used to close up gaps in a person’s smile due to missing teeth.
Dental bridges are a less-invasive approach to replacing missing teeth than implants. However, getting a bridge is more invasive than dentures because the teeth that will be used to anchor down the artificial teeth have to be prepared for dental crowns by removing enamel from their sides. The artificial teeth that come with a dental bridge are called pontics, while the teeth used to anchor down the restoration are called abutments.
Dental bridges are cheaper options to replace missing teeth than implants, but they cost more than dentures. Bridges are typically fixed in place once installed by a dentist.
The procedure typically involves making at least two trips to the dentist. The first visit is used to evaluate the patient to see if a dental bridge is the right solution for them. Here is what goes on once a patient has been cleared for a dental bridge:
The dentist starts the process by preparing the patient’s teeth for dental crowns. The patient is injected with a local anesthetic to numb the abutments so enamel can be removed from their sides. Removing enamel from the teeth being fitted with the crowns leads to a better fit.
An impression of the patient’s mouth is taken by having them bite down on a mold. The mold is sent to technicians who make restorations like dental bridges in a lab. The finished product is sent back to the dentist within two weeks. The prepared teeth are covered with a temporary bridge to protect them in the meantime.
The patient is called back for a second appointment when their custom bridge returns to the dentist. The temporary crowns are removed, and the crowns attached to the pontics are placed on them. Alterations are made as needed to complete the treatment.
Some patients might undergo an adjustment period when a dental bridge is placed in their mouth. Most people get used to having the restoration in their mouth within a few days.
These are some of the most common questions that people ask about bridges.
When properly taken care of, bridges can last 10-15 years or even longer. To ensure that your bridges last as long as possible, it is important to brush and floss daily as well as to visit your dentist regularly. Most patients who have bridges visit their dentist once every six months for cleanings and check-ups.
No, you cannot remove your bridges throughout the day or overnight. They are fixed dental prosthetics. This means that they are bonded to your teeth and cannot be taken out. This is actually beneficial because you never need to worry about them slipping out at an inopportune time. However, if you would prefer something that is removable, perhaps it is better to look into dentures instead.
Yes, there are different types of dental bridges. The most common type is simply known as traditional bridges. Traditional bridges include one or more false teeth and use crowns to support them on either side. You may also hear of Maryland bridges or Cantilever bridges. Maryland bridges fix the pontic only to one side of the natural teeth, typically the ones furthest in the back. These require no filling. Cantilever bridges are usually used when the gap of missing teeth only has healthy teeth on one side of it.
Everybody deserves to have a smile that they can be proud of, and bridges allow you to have just that. Are you ready to restore your smile? Fall in love with your smile again. Give us a call or stop by our Turlock clinic to learn more about how dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth and the benefits of doing so.
Request an appointment here: https://www.kingdentistry.com or call King Dentistry at (209) 585-1474 for an appointment in our Turlock office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Bridges in Turlock, CA.
Along with other treatments, a dental bridge is a common way to improve a smile and help you feel better about your appearance. This procedure can replace missing teeth and close embarrassing gaps in your mouth. If you undergo this process, you can have less anxiety in social situations and want to open your mouth…
A dental bridge might be recommended for you if you are missing one to three teeth in a row. As their name implies, these oral prosthetics bridge the space left by missing teeth with artificial ones. They are typically made up of two main components: abutments (crowns) used to anchor the appliance and pontics (artificial…
While the cost of dental crowns is usually covered by insurance, getting a crown can still be an expensive and time-consuming process. Once the crown is in place, it can be tempting to forget about it and continue your normal habits, but not being mindful of your tooth restoration could lead to you having to…
If you are getting a dental crown, you might be wondering what the procedure involves. During this time, the dentist will work to restore your tooth. That way, you will not need to get the tooth extracted. Keep reading to learn more about what getting a dental crown will involve for you.The process for getting…
If you are someone with gaps in their smile, there are many options for replacing missing teeth available to you. A dental bridge is a time-honored solution for replacing missing teeth. Similar methods for replacing teeth have been used for thousands of years.A dental bridge is a single or series of false teeth, called pontics,…
There are many options for replacing missing teeth, even if they are your front teeth that are missing. Missing front teeth can severely hurt a person’s self-esteem and confidence because the missing teeth are right where everyone can see them. However, there are solutions to that problem. Read on to learn more. Your dentist will…