Missing teeth can compromise your smile, confidence, and oral health. Dental bridges in Boston are an ideal solution to help restore the functionality and aesthetics of your teeth. If you’re thinking of having this treatment done, here’s all you need to know.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a permanent prosthetic that restores one or more missing teeth. It comprises false teeth (pontics) supported by crowns over adjacent natural teeth or implants. Dental bridges serve to keep things in proper position with your teeth, enhance the sound of speech, and smile brighter.
Types of Dental Bridges
Four main types of dental bridges near you are:
1. Traditional Dental Bridges
They are the most common type of bridges. They work well if the adjacent teeth are strong and healthy and are used to replace pontics that have crowns on the adjacent teeth on either side of the gap.
2. Cantilever Bridges
A cantilever bridge is used when there is only one neighboring supporting tooth. This is less popular and may be inappropriate for areas that experience high chewing loads, for example, the posterior dental arch.
3. Maryland Bridges
Maryland bridges employ a metal-to-porcelain or porcelain structure that is cemented to the adjacent natural teeth, performing as a support, rather than crowns. They conserve healthy tooth structure because support teeth do not require any modifications.
4. Implant-Supported Bridges
Bridges that are anchored onto natural teeth; these are instead anchored onto dental implants. Implant-supported bridges are very stable and serve as the last resort for restoring multiple missing teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Though there are numerous benefits to using dental bridges, some of the most significant are:
- Restoring a full, natural smile
- Enhancing chewing and speaking ability
- Stabilizing adjacent teeth from shifting
- Supporting facial appearance and jaw alignment
- Offering a permanent tooth-replacement solution
The Process of Getting a Dental Bridge
The dental bridge process may involve:
1. First Consultation
Your dentist will examine your mouth and determine whether a bridge will be appropriate for you. Impressions and X-rays are likely to be taken in advance of the treatment.
2. Tooth Preparation
If a standard or cantilever bridge is to be employed, the support teeth to the missing tooth will be prepared for receiving the crowns.
3. Impression Taking
Your teeth are imprinted, and the impression is sent to a lab, where a bridge is made that fits in your mouth for you.
4. Temporary Bridge Fitting
A temporary bridge is installed on the prepared teeth until the final one is made.
5. Permanent Bridge Fitting
After it is done, the final bridge is placed and cemented on your teeth to regain your smile.
How to Maintain Your Dental Bridge
Taking good care will extend the lifespan of your bridge. Some of the key tips are as follows:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily using a floss threader or water flosser to clean plaque beneath the bridge
- Do not eat hard or sticky foods that would destroy the bridge
- Visit a dentist near you for a check-up and cleaning from time to time
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
Dental bridges, when well maintained, last 5 to 15 years or longer. Oral hygiene, diet, and routine dental check-ups all play a part in how long they will last.
Are dental bridges right for you?
Dental bridges work well for the majority of people, but others might have some restrictions. If you have multiple missing teeth or compromised anchor teeth, then your dentist may recommend something else, such as dental implants or partial dentures.
Why Choose Ellui Dental for Dental Bridges?
If you require dental bridges, Ellui Dental offers great restorative dentistry to repair your smile. Our dentist in Boston is capable of providing the best care for each patient to achieve the best outcome for their oral health. Book an appointment today and discover how dental bridges can enhance your smile and confidence!