Dental Bridges: Restore Your Smile and Protect Your Oral Health

Dental bridges are a great way to restore missing teeth. They can help prevent further damage to your remaining natural teeth and help you speak more clearly.

There are four types of dental bridges Madison AL. These include a traditional bridge, cantilever bridge, Maryland bridge, and implant-supported bridge. Each has its own benefits, and the one you choose will depend on your specific needs.

Restore your smile

Dental bridges are a restorative dentistry treatment that fill in the gaps created by missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, held in place by dental crowns placed on the surrounding natural teeth or implants (called abutment teeth).

A bridge restores your smile by filling in the gap and enhancing the chewing and speaking functions. It also prevents shifting of the remaining teeth and helps maintain the shape of your face.

During the recovery period, it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions for taking care of your new dental bridge. It will take time for the gums and underlying bone to heal. Once this process is complete, your new bridge will be permanently cemented in place. Before cementing, we will check the shade, contours, fit, and occlusion of your restoration to ensure a comfortable bite and optimal health. There are four main types of dental bridges: traditional fixed, abutment-supported, cantilever, and implant-supported.

Prevent further damage to your teeth

Dental bridges close gaps in your teeth and restore their function, helping you speak and chew more easily. They also prevent shifting of the remaining natural teeth, which can lead to bite problems. This can be caused by an accident, tooth decay or even gum disease.

The procedure typically takes two visits. At the first visit, your dentist will prepare your abutment teeth (the natural teeth on either side of the gap) by shaping them, which may require some enamel removal. They’ll then take dental impressions and send them to a lab for the creation of your permanent bridge. They’ll give you a temporary bridge to wear in the meantime.

You might experience some discomfort or sensitivity in the days immediately following your treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers and avoiding hard foods can help manage these symptoms. Practicing good oral hygiene can also reduce the risk of tooth decay around your dental bridge. It’s important to brush and floss daily, including areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush.

Maintain your oral health

Dental bridges are a durable solution for missing teeth. They are easy to maintain and can last close to ten years with proper care. It is important to use a non-abrasive toothpaste and brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the bridge. Regular professional cleanings are also essential for your oral health. Using a water flosser or proxabrush can help reach hard-to-reach places and reduce bacteria buildup. Avoid chewing on hard sticky items like ice and candy and try to quit smoking, as this can stain your natural teeth and impact the stability of the bridge.

Dental bridges fill gaps left by missing teeth and prevent further damage to the surrounding teeth and gum tissue. They also correct the bite that is affected by a missing tooth, increasing comfort when eating and speaking. They are less expensive and easier to place than implants, making them a popular choice for patients with missing teeth.

Keep your natural teeth

Dental bridges help replace missing teeth. They restore the natural shape of a person’s smile and facial structure, improve chewing and speaking ability, and prevent surrounding teeth from shifting. Unlike partial dentures, bridges do not require any removal of healthy teeth. They are also more comfortable and durable than dental implants.

There are many different types of dental bridges Madison AL. The most common is the traditional bridge, which consists of crowns on both ends and pontics (artificial teeth) in between. It is usually used for patients who have healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap caused by a missing tooth.

The procedure for getting a bridge typically involves two visits. During the first visit, we’ll reshape your anchor teeth and take impressions to create a custom-made bridge. We’ll also provide you with a temporary bridge while waiting for the lab to finish the final one. At the second visit, we’ll check and adjust the bridge for a proper fit and then cement it in place.