Bridges

Dental Bridges are one of the ways to replace missing teeth. The absence of teeth can also lead to oral health problems and bite misalignment. There are quite a number of ways the missing teeth can be replaced, and dental bridges are one of them. As the name indicates, these appliances work by bridging the gap left by a missing tooth. With the help of the surrounding teeth, the dental bridge holds the replacement tooth in the gap. The replacement tooth is anchored by dental crowns on either side, placed over the surrounding natural teeth. The bridges are not only aesthetically pleasing but also strong and durable.

What does the Dental Bridge procedure involve?

The bridge's process begins by preparing the existing teeth called the abutment teeth, which serve as the base upon which the bridge is secured. Once the abutments are created, a mold is taken of the area and sent to a dental lab. With the help of the mold, a properly fitting dental bridge is created. An interim bridge is designed to protect the gum area while the permanent one gets ready.

Once the dental bridge is ready, it is placed on the abutments and cemented with an adhesive to hold the bridge firmly in place. After the bridge is in place, limit your diet to softer foods for a few days. After a few days gap, the new bridge will start feeling like your natural teeth.

What are the merits of Bridges?

• They offer an effective solution for replacing missing teeth providing a both aesthetic and functional correction.
• The bridge enables a patient to chew and eat food normally as there is no gap in the jawbone, and the bridge can assist in the munching of food.
• It is beneficial for the long-term structure of the mouth. The jaw gaps cause the teeth to shift from their position and spread out, which can create problems in the bite.
• A bridge will also reduce the risk of bone loss, thus maintaining the facial structure.
• It is preferred over dentures as they are not removable. It can be cleaned just like the natural teeth by brushing.
• A patient can get used to these appliances as they are hardly noticeable and easily blend with the mouth structure.

What are the various kinds of Bridges?

• Traditional Fixed Bridge:In this type of bridge, an existing tooth will be used as an anchor to support the bridge. An artificial tooth is fabricated to fill the missing tooth gap and is capped with one or more crowns held on both sides of the bridge.
• Resin-Bonded Bridge: These kinds of bridges are made of porcelain bonded to metal frameworks and are usually used to hide the front teeth' gaps.
• Implant-Supported Bridge:As the name suggests, these bridges are mounted on a dental implant that is surgically placed in the jawbone. They can be secured onto the implant without the support of the surrounding teeth.

Call us at Beyond Expectation Dental or schedule an online appointment to know more about Bridges.