If you have one or several missing teeth, finding a suitable replacement option is the key to an aesthetic, fuller smile. And one of the most reliable and popular options to restore teeth are dental bridges.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed dental device customized to reinstate one or more missing teeth. It may have one or more artificial teeth and a dental crown at each end. They are affixed to the natural teeth outside the gap to hold the artificial prosthesis in place.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
The most prominent and immediate correction accomplished with a dental bridge is closing the space created by a missing tooth. By bridging the gap, the dental bridge achieves the following benefits:
- Reduce the risk of gum disease
- Restore the patient's ability to chew and bite
- Restore the patient's speaking and chewing abilities
- Prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of position
- Maintain a natural-looking smile
- Restore a natural smile
- Maintain the patient's facial structure
Types of Dental Bridges
1. Traditional Bridge: They are made from ceramics or porcelain fused to metal. A dental crown is attached to the natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth (abutment teeth), and a pontic is placed in between them.
2. Cantilever Bridge: A cantilever bridge can be helpful if the patient does not have two natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth. Here, the dentist prepares the abutment teeth adjacent to one another and attaches the pontic to its end.
3. Maryland Bridge: A Maryland bridge is fabricated from a metal framework. Here, the pontic is attached to the wings cemented to the two abutment teeth on each side of the gap.
Dental Bridge - Procedure
The steps involved in creating a dental bridge are as follows:
- First Step
The first step involves the preparation of the adjacent teeth by removing some of the enamel. This is to allow room for placing the dental crown over them.
- Second Step
The patient's dental impressions are obtained and sent to a dental lab to fabricate a bridge, a false tooth or pontic, and crowns as per the unique configuration of the patient's mouth. The patient will get a temporary dental bridge to shield the exposed teeth and gums until the bridge is ready.
- Third Step
The dentist removes the temporary bridge during the next dental visit and replaces it with the permanent one after ensuring its fit.
Lowery Smiles, located in Cary, NC, has expert dentists and the latest amenities for treatment. Call Dentist in Cary, NC at (919) 468-5501 and schedule an appointment.