The Ins and Outs of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are an appliance designed to bridge a gap created when a person loses one or more teeth. A bridge is composed of two crowns for those teeth found on either side of a gap. Those teeth are known as abutment teeth, with the false tooth or teeth being fixed in between. The false teeth are known as pontics, and they’re either made of porcelain, alloys, gold, or a mixture of the three. The bridge is supported by either implants or natural teeth.
This guide will go over the benefits and the types of dental bridges as well as the questions that most people in the Carson City, NV area have about dental bridges.
Dental Bridges Benefits:
Bridges have the ability to:
– Restore a person’s smile
– Restore a person’s ability to speak and chew properly
– Hold the shape of a person’s face
– Properly distribute the force in someone’s bite by replacing the missing teeth
– Help prevent remaining teeth from shifting
Although many people have heard of dental bridges, what they may not have realized is that there are several types available, including cantilever and Maryland.
Dental Bridge Types Available:
Traditional bridges – These bridges are most popular, and they’re made either of ceramics or porcelain fused onto metal. Traditional bridges are used if there are natural teeth on either side of the gap where the tooth is missing.
Cantilever bridges – These types of dental bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the gap.
Maryland bonded – These bridges are also called resin-bonded bridges and are created out of porcelain or plastic teeth that are supported using a framework made of metal. There are wings made of metal on either side, which get bonded to the person’s existing teeth.
Getting a bridge can be a tough decision. Here are some of the most common questions patients ask about dental bridges. Make sure to speak with your dentist about your options before deciding on a dental bridge as there are alternatives.
How Long Will the Dental Bridge Last?
Dental bridges normally last anywhere from 5-15 years, sometimes longer. If the person has regular checkups and practices proper oral hygiene, a fixed bridge may last more than 10 years.
Will Eating With a Bridge Be Hard?
Most people who have bridges find that it is easier. However, it is a good idea for someone who just got a bridge to stick to soft foods cut up small while they are still adjusting.
What Type of Care Does a Bridge Require?
A person should do everything possible to make sure that their remaining teeth are strong and healthy. This is because the bridge’s success often will depend on the surrounding teeth. This involves flossing daily and brushing two times a day to help prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Dental bridges are something that have helped many people get back their smile and self-esteem. A dental bridge can make a big difference when teeth are missing, and can help the person feel better about themselves.
For more information about Dental Bridges or other dental issues, please contact your Carson City, NV dentists at Advanced Dentistry by Design.
Source: http://findmydentist.com/articles/crown-and-bridge-dental-work.html