Gaps created by missing teeth in your mouth can be bridged by dentists with dental bridges. The bridge restores your bite and helps to keep the natural shape of your face. This article will look at how dental bridges are made and the type of bridge suitable for you based on your unique requirements.
The American Dental Association has stated that when teeth are lost and not replaced facial collapse occurs leading to the face look older. The mouth also loses some of its shape straightening the lip line. The chin moves forward and upwards to look more pointed.
Why Dental Bridges Are Recommended?
A missing tooth is a concerning matter because teeth are made to work with each other. When loss of tooth occurs the adjacent teeth will tilt into the space created by the missing tooth. Your teeth in the opposite jaw may also drift into the space to affect your bite and put more stress on your teeth and jaw joints and possibly cause pain and damage.
The bone begins to shrink when a tooth is missing. With the shrinking, changes may be noticed in the way the jawbone supports the cheeks and lips. A problem of this type can make your face look older with time.
How Is a Fixed Bridge Placed?
For placing a fixed Bridge dental bridges in Robbinsville will use the existing natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth to assist in holding the bridge in place. You will need to visit your dentist multiple times for placing a fixed bridge.
During your first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth on both sides of the gap because the bridge will be attached to these teeth. The dentist will also make an impression of the teeth and the space to be sent to the dental laboratory where the technicians can follow the dentists advise and develop the bridge. You may be provided with a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth even as you wait for the permanent bridge.
When the dental laboratory returns the permanent bridge your dentist will fit, adjust and bond the bridge to the prepared teeth. A fixed bridge is permanent and cannot be removed from your mouth without help from a dentist.
Different types of dental bridges have been developed to suit the unique requirements of every individual. You may prefer to have implant-supported bridges where dental implants will be used to support the bridge. The implants are titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone which holds the implants in place.
If you decide to use implant-supported bridges they will not require support from the adjacent teeth. You must, however, be in good general health and have sufficient bone in the mouth for the implant. Some people benefit from implants which help to preserve the jawbone from where the tooth loss has occurred. The implants can be inserted in a single day or may require multiple visits depending on the treatment plan created by the dentist.
What Materials Are Dental Bridges Made from?
Even the dentist near you can provide information that dental bridges are made from metal or ceramics or a combination of the two. Your dentist, Mercer Smiles will discuss with you the materials best suited for you and your mouth.
How to Care for Dental Bridges?
If the supporting teeth or the jawbone are damaged by any dental infection a dental bridge can fail. You must maintain good oral hygiene if you want to ensure the success of the dental bridge. You can follow the tips mentioned below to maintain your oral health in good condition:
Brush your teeth twice every day for two minutes each and also use floss. You can also use an interdental cleaner for brushing. Brushing and cleaning between your teeth help to remove plaque which is a sticky film of bacteria that is consistently forming on the teeth.
Make it a point also to clean your teeth under the bridge. You can find different types of little brushes, picks, and flossers for this purpose and your dentist can also help you to make an informed decision based on the type of bridge you have chosen to have in your mouth.
Visit your dentist as recommended for exams and professional cleanings and have a healthy diet.
Opting to have dental bridges in your mouth in place of missing teeth is an option you should prefer if you don’t want your appearance to change or flash the gaps in your mouth when you attempt to smile.