Rebuilding a Healthier Smile
Along with having an effect on your confidence, missing teeth can also impact speech and digestion. This is because missing teeth can no longer guide the tongue when talking, and chewing food properly can be difficult when you don't have all your teeth.
Dental bridges are made up of one or more artificial teeth that are custom-made for each patient. Bridges are typically affixed to crowns that are placed over top of healthy teeth, known as abutment teeth, on either side of the gap.
Our goal when using dental bridges is to restore your smile as well as the regular function of your teeth and jaw, preventing further complications.
The Bridge Procedure
The bridge procedure typically requires two dental appointments. First, your dentist will clean and recontour the abutment teeth in order to prepare them to hold an artificial tooth. They will then take dental impressions, which will be sent to the lab to create your dental bridge.
Once your dentist has received your new bridge, you will return for your second visit. At this appointment, your dental bridge will be permanently affixed to the abutment teeth.
Before using permanent dental cement, your dentist may temporarily affix the bridge to allow for you to test the fit, allowing for any adjustments to be made if necessary. If your new custom bridge fits well, they will attach it using permanent cement.
Because the longevity of the bridge depends greatly on the health of teeth it is attached to, oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, as well as routine dental exams, will be a vital part of caring for your bridge.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
Once in place, there are a number of benefits that dental bridges offer, including:
- Restoring the appearance of your smile
- Allowing for the even distribution of bite force
- Preventing shifting in the remaining teeth
- Maintaining the shape of your face and jaw
- Improving your ability to chew and speak
With good oral hygiene, dental bridges can last many years and help prevent several oral health issues that can become costly to treat. This can also make dental bridges financially beneficial for many patients.
Speak with our dental team today to schedule a consultation if you would like to learn more about dental bridges and other restoration options.