Whether it’s a job interview, reunion or an important date, a smile is very important everywhere and for everyone. This makes them confident and attractive.
This might not always be the scenario when there is a missing tooth. It not only affects the confidence but also makes daily activities difficult such as eating, chewing and speaking. Therefore, missing tooth affects the shape of your face. With the advancement in dental technologies, there is a solution for replacing the teeth, a dental bridge.
Dental bridges in Seminole mean bridging the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made up of two or more crowns which serve as an anchor. These are custom-made placed on healthy and prosthetic teeth. These artificial teeth known as pontics are made of gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials. Dental implants or natural teeth support dental bridges.
There are 3 main types of dental bridges-
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- Traditional bridges
The dentist in 33778 creates a crown and implant on either side of the missing tooth. There is a pontic in between. This type of bridges is made of porcelain bonded with metal or ceramics.
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- Cantilever bridges
When one or more teeth are missing near the adjacent teeth, then these types of bridges are used. It is not recommended for the back teeth as it can put a lot of pressures on the other teeth and damages them.
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- Maryland bonded bridges
These are also known as a resin-bonded bridge made of porcelain which is bonded to metal or plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal or porcelain framework. The one side of the bridge is only attached to the existing teeth.
Benefits of dental bridges-
- Restores the smile, ability to chew and speak
- Enhances the shape of the face
- Replaces the missing teeth and distribute the force in bite
- Saves the other from shifting from the place
Process of a dental bridge
During the first visit, the dentist in Seminole will clean the enamel and prepare the abutment teeth for the placement of the crown. They will take the impressions of the teeth to make a bridge, pontic and crowns. Meanwhile, the temporary bridge is placed to protect the exposed teeth and gums.
In the second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary bridge and metal bridge is placed and adjusted for a proper fit. The patient needs to go to the dentist multiple times to get the fit of the bridges checked.
In case of a fixed bridge, the dentist will cement the bridge temporarily for a few weeks to ensure the proper fit. After a few weeks, the bridge is cemented into place.
The cost of dental bridges depends on the type of bridges selected and procedure performed by the dentist in Largo. Many insurance companies pay a percentage of fees depending on the individual dental plan.
Dental bridges last for 5 to 15 years and even longer with proper care. The lifespan of a fixed bridge can be increased by maintaining good oral hygiene and regular check-ups.
The dentist recommends eating soft foods which can be cut into small pieces easily until you become used to bridges. Therefore, replacing the missing teeth with a dental bridge will make the eating, chewing and speaking abilities effective.
The bridges are successful and strong if the surrounding teeth are healthy.
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- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss your teeth once in a day
- Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash
- Visit the dentist regularly for early diagnosis
- Maintain a balanced diet
- Avoid eating sugary or sticky foods
This will prevent tooth decay and gum disease which can lead to tooth loss. The dentist or dental hygienist can tell you the proper brushing and flossing the teeth techniques.
Search for a dentist near me to know more about the types of crown and bridges. They will examine the dental situation and recommend what is appropriate for you. Therefore, it is important to have complete and detailed information about crowns and implants. This will allow you to make the best choice.
