It is vital to your health to ensure your missing teeth are replaced

Dental bridges are a good way to fill in the gaps of missing teeth. To replace missing teeth is more important to your health than many realize. When you have missing teeth, surrounding teeth can begin to shift and will throw off your bite making it difficult to speak clearly or to chew food properly. For these reasons alone, it is vital to your health to ensure your missing teeth are replaced.

What are dental bridges?

Dental bridges are crowns anchored by abutments that fill in large gaps left by missing teeth. They can help people smile, speak, and eat. There are three types of dental bridges: Traditional Dental Bridges, Cantilever Dental Bridges, and Maryland bridges.

  1. Traditional bridges have either dental crowns or dental implants on either side of the missing tooth, plus a replacement tooth, which is held in place by a post-like structure called a dental abutment.
  2. Cantilever dental bridges are used in cases where there are surrounding teeth only on one side of the missing tooth.
  3. Maryland bridges are made of a specialized resin that is cemented to a metal framework and cemented to the enamel of surrounding teeth. Ask the dentist at your next dental exam Mission Viejo what options are best for you.

Are dental bridges removable?

Fixed bridges are permanent whereas partial bridges are removable. Patients who are interested in a long term solution to replace missing teeth may want to opt for fixed bridges. Temporary or partial bridges are better for patients with sensitive gums who may not want to deal with metal clasps that regular fixed bridges come with. They’re also easier to clean because they’re removable.

What is the dental bridges procedure?

First, your dentist will examine your teeth to see if you are a candidate for dental bridges. Generally, patients need to have healthy gums for the dental bridges procedure.

At the next appointment, the dentist will prepare your teeth, so the crowns can be affixed to them. A mold of your teeth will be taken and the crowns will be completed in a dental laboratory in a week or two. Your dentist can give you temporary bridges to protect your teeth during this time.

When your crowns are complete, you can have the dental bridges placed. The dentist will then fit and adjust the crowns to your mouth to make sure the bite is comfortable and correct.

Proper dental care after the procedure is important. Special cases can be done in one appointment. Ask your dentist if you this is possible for you!

How do I take care of my dental bridges?

Like regular teeth, dental bridges need routine oral care. With proper care, they can last over ten years. Maintain your bridges with proper brushing, flossing, and biannual visits.

Should I get a dental bridge or dental implant?

A Mission Viejo dental implant is when an artificial anchor is placed into the gums and bone. This anchor is usually a titanium screw that holds the crown. This process is usually more invasive and expensive, but it is very strong and long lasting.

Dental bridges are artificial crowns or teeth that are fill in gaps. While both procedures have the same purpose, dental bridges do not require an artificial screw to be placed into your mouth. The crowns are held in place by affixing them to surrounding teeth.

If you have already have strong teeth, dental bridges may be a better option because your crowns will have strong teeth to support them. Implants, on the other hand, are more durable and last longer. Ultimately, the choice just depends on your situation and preference!

At New Generation Dentistry, we are committed to helping you regain confidence in your smile. If you would like more information on dental bridges, contact our team of dentists in Mission Viejo by calling or booking an appointment online for a consultation.

Updated for 2018.

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