If patients have any gaps in their smiles due to missing teeth, they may be wondering which restoration method will work best for their case. After visiting your Legacy dentist, you may have determined that you’re an ideal candidate for dental bridges.
Dental bridges are a restorative treatment that involves an artificial set of teeth that use crowns as a support to fix your smile. They are a convenient, easy way for dentists to restore any missing teeth and enhance your smile.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth. They can be made of various materials, and different types of bridges may be offered to patients depending on their unique cases. Depending on a patient’s desired results, the dental bridge will commonly be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. The most common type of bridge will be attached to existing teeth through a crown, which will support the artificial tooth in the empty gap.
Types of Dental Bridges
Your dentist will explain to you that, depending on your case, you can get different types of dental bridges in Legacy. There are four types of bridges that dentists can use depending on how many teeth will need to be replaced or how the patient’s oral health is currently. The different bridges include:
1) Traditional Dental Bridge
These are the most common types of bridges. They will be available in various styles depending on what results the patient expects. The styles may vary regarding comfort and the patient’s cosmetic needs. Traditional bridges are fixed and place crowns on two adjacent teeth for support. They are commonly used if a patient only has one or two missing teeth.
2) Cantilever Dental Bridge
Cantilever bridges use one crown and not two. This type is commonly used if the patient only has one adjacent tooth available for support. A dental crown is attached to the available tooth, and the dental bridge is fixed to the front teeth.
3) Maryland Bridge
For this type of bridge, your dentist will use a tooth-colored porcelain frame attached to the teeth on either side of the gap.
4) Implant-supported Bridge
Implant-supported dental bridges will be attached to fixed implants on the patient’s gum. They will need an additional procedure performed by a dentist near you to first insert the implant onto the jawbone and then use it to anchor the bridge.
How are Bridges Different from Dentures?
Bridges are considered a long-lasting solution to missing teeth, while most dentures will not have the same durability. In addition, removable dentures may slide around and be uncomfortable for many patients. This short-term solution may be ideal if patients have lost all their teeth but will require additional care and more visits to a dentist.
How will the Dental Bridge be Attached?
The entire procedure will begin with your dentist in Legacy reshaping the natural teeth adjacent to the space to ensure the crowns correctly fit them. This will also ensure the artificial covers do not look bulky and create a natural effect. Before your final bridge is made, the dentist may use a temporary dental bridge to cover the space; these will be carefully cemented onto your smile until the fixed bridge is ready.
This procedure will be painless, and dentists may use local anesthesia if they believe it will help with any discomfort.
Are Bridges Long-lasting?
How long a bridge will last may depend on the material and how well patients take care of their restored smile. A metal bridge, for example, can last up to 15 years if a patient takes good care of it. Other materials may begin showing wear and tear quicker and need a more frequent replacement.
Schedule an Appointment with Township Dental Wellness!
Our quality dental clinic offers various services to enhance your smile. We offer dental bridges near you to restore your missing teeth, among other treatments. Our staff will be happy to join you on your dental journey and help you book your next appointment!
