All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing, and maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. While commonly associated with aging, tooth loss can occur at any stage of life, and prompt restoration is crucial to maintaining proper mouth function. Fortunately, dental bridges are a reliable and durable option for correcting tooth loss.
Dentistry at Kennestone offers long-lasting dental bridges to help you smile with pride again.
What Are Dental Bridges and Why Are They Important?
Dental bridges are devices used to replace missing teeth by attaching artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. By gaining support from the remaining teeth, bridges can restore dental function while offering a natural and attractive look.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, your smile’s appearance will be affected, and you’re probably already noticing its impact on proper function. Teeth were designed to complement each other.
Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing several potentially harmful disorders, like an increased risk of gum disease. Research has proven that patients with missing teeth are more prone to gum disease and infection. Luckily, these risks can be minimized with a bridge.
For that reason, missing teeth can and should be replaced promptly.
What Types of Dental Bridges Are There?
Bridges can be either permanently attached (fixed bridges) or removable.
- Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. These are applied by placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth.
- Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments. They can be removed and cleaned at home.
Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts, but regular visits to the dentist for professional cleaning are fundamental to ensuring your mouth remains healthy and plaque-free. Still, both are great options for restoring your dental health and appearance.
What Are the Benefits of a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges offer several benefits, especially for individuals with several more teeth. Some of its key advantages include:
- Restore the ability to chew and speak properly, making it easier to eat a balanced diet.
- By filling the gap left by missing teeth, bridges help maintain the natural shape of your face and prevent sagging.
- Helps support your lips and cheeks.
- Missing teeth can cause adjacent teeth to shift out of place, which can affect bite alignment. Bridges help keep neighboring teeth stable.
- Enhance your smile by replacing missing teeth with natural-looking prosthetics, boosting self-confidence.
- Typically made from strong materials like porcelain or metal, dental bridges offer long-lasting solutions when properly cared for.
- Non-invasive treatment that can be completed in fewer dental visits.
- Prevent speech disorders caused by missing teeth, as these are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.
How Is a Dental Bridge Attached?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. Dr. Foxhall will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap at the first appointment by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.
Since the bridge must be fabricated precisely to ensure the correct bite and match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Dental crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
What Materials Are Used for Dental Bridges?
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metal.
How Do I Take Care of My Bridge?
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is critical, as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.
xperience the Benefits of Our Dental Bridges
Your teeth work together for many daily functions, from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it’s difficult to effectively perform these tasks. To revert that, dental bridges are an effective solution, restoring your smile in both function and aesthetics after tooth loss.
Dentistry at Kennestone can help determine the best approach for your needs. If you're considering it, contact us and schedule an appointment today!
