Dental bridges replace missing teeth to help improve chewing, speech and appearance. They also prevent remaining teeth from shifting into the gap, which can cause problems with bite function and tooth decay.
During the first appointment, your dentist will prepare the abutment teeth by filing them down. A temporary bridge will be placed to protect the abutment teeth until the permanent one is made in the lab.
Improved Chewing
Dental bridges help to fill a gap in the teeth, improve chewing function, and distribute the force of biting evenly. They also prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the space left by missing teeth, which can cause bite problems and affect oral health.
The abutment teeth that ancho 韓国歯科 r the bridge must be healthy and strong enough to support it. If they are damaged by decay or injury, a dental bridge can fail and will need to be repaired or replaced. Dental bridges are also susceptible to damage from excessive pressure on them. Patients should practice good oral hygiene and avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods that can exert excessive pressure on the bridge. It is also recommended that patients wear a mouthguard if they grind or clench their teeth, as this can damage the abutment teeth and the bridge itself.
Dental bridges can greatly improve your smile and restore your confidence. If you have one or more missing teeth, contact our team of cosmetic and restorative dentists to learn how a dental bridge can benefit you. We will provide a full examination and consultation so that we can recommend the best treatment to meet your specific needs. Request an appointment today!
Improved Speech
Missing teeth can have significant effects on your smile and oral health, such as making it hard to chew or speak. Dental bridges can help you restore these function 韓国歯科 s by filling in the gap created by missing teeth. In addition, dental bridges can prevent the remaining teeth from shifting to fill in the open space, which may result in serious problems with your bite.
When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth tend to migrate into the empty space, causing problems with your bite and leaving room for food debris to collect. This can also cause the gums around the vacated space to deteriorate, which could lead to more serious dental issues. Dental bridges can prevent this from happening by filling the gap and preventing the surrounding teeth from shifting.
Tooth loss can also affect your speech, causing you to mumble or have a lisp. Fortunately, a dental bridge can replace your missing front teeth and restore proper form and function to your mouth, improving your ability to pronounce certain words and restoring your natural speaking patterns.
There are different types of dental bridges, but the most popular type is a traditional bridge. This consists of a false tooth, known as a pontic, that is attached to two crowns placed on healthy teeth on either side of the gap. There is also a cantilever bridge, which only requires one healthy tooth on both sides of the gap, and an implant-supported bridge, which uses a dental implant as an anchor.
Improved Aesthetics
Dental bridges are designed to blend in impeccably with your existing teeth, resulting in a flawless finish. Skilled dentists meticulously match the color, size and shape of your natural teeth to ensure the final product matches perfectly. This enhances the aesthetic of your smile and helps improve the condition of the surrounding teeth, preventing further damage or bacteria from gathering in the gap left by the missing tooth.
Lastly, dental bridges help improve facial symmetry, which can have a positive impact on your overall appearance and boost your confidence. When you don’t have to hide a gap or misaligned bite in your smile, you can enjoy life more fully and feel more comfortable when smiling and interacting with others.
Your dentist or dental practitioner will start by examining your mouth and treating any existing tooth decay or gum disease, if necessary. They will then take a mould of your mouth, which is used to create the dental bridge. Once the dental bridge is ready, they will schedule a second appointment to put it in place. The dentist will use dental cement to ensure the bridge stays securely in place.
Generally, dental bridges are more effective for people who are missing one or more teeth in a row than those who have multiple missing teeth throughout their mouth. Nonetheless, they can also provide significant benefits to patients with gaps or other issues that affect their ability to chew and speak effectively.
Better Oral Hygiene
Although dental bridges are effective in filling the gaps left by missing teeth, it is important to understand that they do not provide a free pass to neglect your oral hygiene. Just like your natural teeth, dental bridges require daily care and maintenance to prevent plaque deposits from accumulating and causing gum disease and tooth decay.
One of the most important steps in maintaining your dental bridge is to clean it on a regular basis. Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that is fluoride rich will help remove irritants and reduce bacteria levels to keep your mouth healthy. Flossing once a day is also essential to remove irritants from hard-to-reach areas between your natural teeth and under the bridge.
It is also important to avoid eating hard foods, such as nuts and ice cubes, that can damage or dislodge your bridge. Additionally, smoking can significantly shorten the lifespan of your dental bridges and cause other health issues.
It is recommended to use an interdental cleaning tool that can reach under the bridge, such as a floss threader or a Waterpik, to clean in-between your natural teeth and along the gum line. Visiting your dentist or dental hygienist regularly will also allow them to assess the condition of your bridges and make sure they are in good repair.