DENTAL BRIDGES
Serving Maple Ridge and Surrounding Areas
WHAT IS A DENTAL BRIDGE?
Dental bridge is a dental prosthetic used to fill up a gap created by a missing tooth or teeth. Also known as a fixed dental prosthesis or fixed bridge, it replaces a missing tooth (or teeth), extending across the area lacking teeth. A bridge is typically held in place by your own teeth or artificial teeth (known as abutment teeth) on either side of the missing teeth area. This arrangement makes a bridge fixed and permanent.
Dental bridges, like any dental implants, restores your smile, fixing the gap between your teeth. Importantly, it doesn’t get to distort the shape of your face in the process. With your teeth restored, a patient is able to chew and speak properly and without discomfort; and these teeth are held in place – prevented from drifting off position.
Types
When it comes to dental bridges there are quite a few different types from which you can choose depending on the condition of your gum and teeth and the location of your missing tooth (or teeth).
- Traditional: Traditional are typically used in situations where healthy natural teeth is available on either side of the missing tooth. Before the bridge is fixed, the teeth on both sides (abutment teeth) will be prepared by way of filing.
- Maryland: Also known as resin-bonded, these are used when the missing teeth can be found at the front of the mouth. Here artificial teeth is fused to the back of your mouth using a porcelain or metal framework that bonds your existing teeth with a metal or porcelain wing.
- Cantilever: Much like a traditional, cantilever are used when there is only one adjacent teeth to the missing tooth (teeth) – on one side – with the other side completely empty. This procedure anchors the crown over that one available natural teeth.
- Implant: In a procedure that is quite similar to Maryland, an implant is used when there are no healthy teeth to support a bridge. In this case, the individual will first receive dental implants which will anchor the incoming bridge.
Dental Bridge vs. Dental Implant
There are a few key differences between dental bridges and dental implants. Dental bridges are the more traditional option and involve creating a false tooth (or pontic) that is held in place by two dental crowns. Dental implants, on the other hand, are a more permanent solution that involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone and then attaching a dental crown to the post.
How teeth Bridges are Fixed
Teeth bridges are straightforward processes if you have a healthy abutment of teeth on each side of the missing tooth. Your dentist will first file down the two healthy teeth in preparation for the bridge – to allow for the placement of a crown over them. If you do not have healthy enough teeth or do not have enough teeth to serve as support for a bridge, the dentist surgically places implants with roots into your jawbone for that purpose.
Your dentist then takes impressions (molds) of your teeth from which the crowns for the abutment teeth and the bridge will be modeled. In the meantime, temporary bridges are placed in your mouth to keep the exposed teeth and gums protected.
The dentist removes this temporary teeth bridges on your next visit, replacing it with custom-made. These will be placed, tested for fitness, and adjusted as necessary. Your dentist will have to determine how best to place this teeth (and if cement will be needed) to ensure they do not come under undue pressure.
After The Bridge Is In Place
Bridge for teeth are not the most expensive solution to your missing teeth problems, but they might still be considered costly by some. These restores your ability to eat and speak properly. A typical bridge can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on how well cared for it is. You want to brush and floss your bridges daily, as you would your natural teeth to prevent gum diseases or decay. Be sure to speak with your dentist on the best care procedure for your new teeth.
Are you considering a dental bridge procedure? At Westgate Dental Centre, we understand that this decision is not always easy, and we are here to help. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to discuss the options with you and help you make the best decision for your smile.
