All Information You Need to Know About Dental Bridges
Tooth loss is a common problem that can deny one a beautiful smile. There are several treatment options for fixing tooth loss. Dental bridges are one of the proven methods of treating patients with tooth loss. Cosmetic dentistry treatment options are important after teeth loss. They will restore your smile and the shape of your face.
Many patients have regained their smiles after undergoing this procedure. This article will give you important information about dental bridges in Dallas. You will be able to make an informed choice on which type of dental bridge to go for. This information will go a long way in helping you improve your smile after tooth loss.
Dental Bridges Explained
This is a treatment option that fills the gap left by your tooth using one or several false teeth. A dental bridge consists of crowns to support the false teeth. Bridges can fix one or several missing teeth and improve your smile and dental health. You can reach out to our dentist for more information about dental bridges near you.
Common Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges in Dallas TX our dentist can recommend. Here are the common types of dental bridges.
Traditional Bridges
This is the most common type of bridge used in Dallas. A traditional bridge can have one or two pontics held in place by the two natural teeth on either side of the gap. We can use this option if you have healthy and strong natural teeth on both sides of the gap.
We use traditional bridges to replace missing molars. This is because they are strong enough to resist damage from chewing forces. They are made from fused ceramic and metal hence they are strong and durable. The dentist will have to remove some enamel from your teeth during the procedure.
Cantilever Bridges
In cantilever bridges, the dental crown holds the bridge. The crown is only cemented to one of the teeth on the side of the gap. You can get a cantilever bridge even if you only have one tooth next to the gap. The dentist will still have to remove part of the enamel when you come in for this type of bridge.
Maryland Bridges
In most cases, we use Maryland bridges when a patient has lost a front tooth. Here, we bond the false teeth to the back of the teeth on the side of the gap. The procedure of this type of bridge is not invasive as the dentist doesn’t have to remove part of the enamel. This because the crowns don’t have to necessarily hold the bridge in place.
Maryland bridges are however not as durable and strong as cantilever ones. The material holding it determines how strong it can be. This is one of the reasons why we don’t use this type of bridge for missing molars.
Implant Supported Bridges
This type of bridge is supported by an implant rather than the adjacent natural teeth. Patients with more than one missing natural teeth are good candidates for this type of implant. We also recommend implant supported bridges if you have individual implants that are not connected and cannot bear the pressure.
With Implant supported bridges, we place a dental implant for each lost tooth. This creates a series of implants strong enough to hold the bridge. At times it may be impossible to place an implant for every missing tooth. If this happens, we can suspend a pontic tooth between two crowns that are supported by an implant.
How to Care for Your Dental Bridges
How you care for your dental bridge determines how long it will last. On average, bridges can last up to seven years. They can however last up to a decade if you pay attention to oral care. Oral hygiene should be on top of your list when it comes to taking care of bridges. You should brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis.
Regular dental visits are also important if you want your bridges to last for long. With proper care, bridges will give you a long-lasting beautiful smile.