What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are used to literally bridge the gap that is formed by one or more missing teeth. The bridge is made of two or more dental crowns placed on either side of the gap with a false tooth or teeth in between. The crowns are used for anchoring and are called abutment teeth. The false teeth, also known as pontics, are made from materials such as gold, alloys, and porcelain. Pontics may be made from a combination of these materials. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants if necessary.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer several advantages, such as:
- Restoration of the smile
- Improvement in the ability to chew and speak
- Distribution of the forces in your bite evenly
- Maintaining the same shape of the face
- Prevention of healthy teeth from drifting out of position
Types of Dental Bridges
There are three main kinds of dental bridges:
- Cantilever bridges are used when only one side of the missing tooth or teeth has adjacent teeth. This procedure is not commonly used anymore due to the fact that when placed in certain positions, like the back of the mouth, it can put too much force on other teeth and damage them.
- Maryland bonded bridges, also known as resin-bonded bridge or Maryland bridge, is made of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or plastic teeth and gums supported by a porcelain or metal framework.
- Traditional bridges are the most commonly used and involve creating a crown for the implant or tooth on either side of the missing tooth and a pontic is placed in between. They are made of either porcelain fused with metal or ceramics.
Process of Getting a Dental Bridge
Only a professional dentist can determine if a unique situation requires a dental bridge. Once this determination has been made, the first visit for the bridge involves the preparation of the abutment teeth. The teeth are recontoured through the removal of a portion of the enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them. Following this, impressions are made of the teeth so that the bridge may be modeled to fit the structure of your mouth and your bite. A temporary bridge is made in the interim to protect the exposed teeth and gums during the process of the bridge being made.
Upon your second visit, the temporary bridge is removed and the new bridge is checked and adjusted to ensure the correct fit. Depending on your individual case, additional visits may be necessary to adjust the bridge over time or check on the success of its implementation. If the dental bridge is a fixed bridge, it will be temporarily cemented in place to ensure it has a proper fit. After two weeks, the bridge will be permanently cemented into place.
Other Things to Consider:
Longevity of Dental Bridges
With proper dental care, dental bridges can last in excess of 15 years. Proper dental care simply means taking care of your teeth as you normally would. Habits include brushing twice a day and regular flossing. Taking care of dental bridges is no different than taking care of normal teeth.
Ease of Eating
Dental bridges make eating easier due to the fact that they replace missing teeth. They also maintain the structure of your bite, restoring eating to conditions prior to the loss of the teeth. While it may take time to adjust to the bridge, following the adjustment periods, eating is generally much easier. Generally, it’s a good idea to cut up smaller pieces of food than you normally would while adjusting to the dental bridge that has been implanted.
Cost of Dental Bridges
Fortunately, dental insurance will typically cover a percentage of the procedure. Cost varies based on the type of bridge used and the severity of the dental problem it is correcting. Over time, dental problems can only get worse if ignored. Dental bridges ensure the remaining healthy teeth are protected from further damage and that the structure of your natural bite is maintained.
Changes in Speech
While some changes in speech may occur, generally changes in speech are positive following adjustment to the new dental bridge. Missing teeth often create speech problems by themselves. Implementation of a dental bridge is more likely to correct a speech problem than create one.
Now You Know What Are Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can be a very reliable option for solving dental problems involving missing teeth. While reading up on the procedure and its advantages can be beneficial, only your dentists can properly advise you as to whether or not the procedure is right for you. Your unique dental situation must be evaluated first. After all, not everyone benefits from a dental bridge procedure.
The first step is finding and consulting with a professional dentist to determine if the procedure is right for you. Select a professional dentist to handle your dental concerns.
Finding a Professional Dentist for Dental Bridge Procedures
Choosing a professional, reliable dentist for a dental bridge procedure is essential to ensuring your dental bridge will be implanted correctly and last the maximum amount of time. City Dental Centers offers professional dentists with years of experience in oral surgery including dental treatments such as dental bridge procedures.
Missing teeth can be detrimental to your self-esteem. Regain your confidence and find out if dental bridges are right for you. Contact us today!
Convenient Dentist Offices in Southern California
Doctor Sam Shahovesi and the team at City Dental Centers are here to provide our patients with the best dental services and dental surgeries for children and adults of all ages. From toddlers to seniors, City Dental Centers offers six convenient dentist offices in Southern California. We even have a dedicated children’s dentist office, City Dental Kids & Braces, to cater to the special physical and emotional needs of children.
Whether you need checkups, x-rays, braces, bonding, teeth whitening, sealants, oral cancer screenings, root canals, crowns, bridges, implants, or tooth extraction, City Dental Centers is here to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible.
Contact The Nearest Dentist to You
Ready to experience the best dentists in Los Angeles? Choose one of the convenient dental offices we have surrounding LA. We have dental practices in Azusa, Corona, Lake Forest, Montclair, Pico Rivera, and West Covina. You can call our main line at (888) 624-8933 or reach out to an office directly with the information below. We’re so happy you’ve chosen City Dental Centers. We can’t wait to help you along your dental journey and brighten your beautiful smile!