Replacing Teeth: Key to a Healthier, Fuller Smile
Tooth loss is a common challenge despite our best efforts to maintain good dental health. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a variety of innovative solutions tailored to meet your specific needs.
Replacing a missing tooth is about more than just enhancing your appearance. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth can shift out of position, making it harder to bite, chew, and speak. Over time, this misalignment can lead to changes in your facial structure, potentially affecting your overall appearance.
Addressing tooth loss promptly is crucial for maintaining long-term oral health. Beyond the visible gap, missing teeth can disrupt the alignment of your smile, leading to further dental issues and changes in facial aesthetics. By replacing missing or damaged teeth, you not only restore your smile but also protect your oral health for the future.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a restorative solution used to replace a missing tooth while stabilizing the teeth adjacent to the gap. Typically, a bridge consists of an artificial tooth, called a pontic, which is supported by one or more neighboring teeth. Unlike dental implants, bridges do not anchor directly into the jawbone but rely on the adjacent teeth for support. Various types of dental bridges are available, each tailored to specific needs and situations.
Traditional Bridge
The traditional bridge is the most common type of dental bridge. It features a pontic (artificial tooth) supported by two dental crowns, which are placed over the adjacent teeth. To fit these crowns, the dentist reshapes the surrounding teeth by filing them down. The crowns, also called abutments, are then secured with a composite bonding resin for stability.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge resembles a traditional bridge but is supported by a single abutment instead of two. Since it is anchored on only one side, this type of bridge is typically used for teeth at the back of the mouth where less chewing pressure is exerted.
Maryland Bridge
A Maryland bridge offers an alternative approach by using metal or porcelain bands to secure the pontic to nearby teeth. These bands are bonded with resin, eliminating the need to file down adjacent teeth. However, Maryland bridges are less durable than traditional bridges and are generally unsuitable for replacing molars due to the higher chewing forces in those areas.
Dental Bridge Procedure: What to Expect
Getting a dental bridge is more involved than a typical checkup. If you've had a dental crown before, the process will be quite similar, but it requires multiple appointments to prepare your teeth and place the bridge. Any necessary treatments for the supporting teeth, such as fillings or root canals, should be completed before starting the bridge procedure.
Once the supporting teeth are ready, the dentist will remove some enamel to create space for the abutment crowns. A mold of the area will be taken and sent to a lab to craft your personalized bridge, which typically takes a few weeks. During this time, you'll wear a temporary bridge.
At your final appointment, the dentist will place the permanent bridge and make any necessary adjustments for the perfect fit.
With proper care, a dental bridge can last more than 10 years. To maximize its lifespan, brush your teeth twice daily, floss at least once a day, clean underneath the pontic, and visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.
