Bridges for Teeth
Picture of Reviewed By:  <a href="/blog/author/sofia-vaqar/" style="color:#5E5EEE">Sofia Vaqar</a>
Reviewed By: Sofia Vaqar

Experienced Dentist at :  LiT Dental

Bridges for Teeth: Pros, Cons, and Treatment Process

With missing teeth, your looks are not the only things that are going to change. You will have problems with the way you chew, talk and the way you feel about yourself. In case you have lost one or more teeth, a bridge may be the most excellent way of regaining your self-esteem and smiles. A teeth replacement bridge is actually a bridge literally which fills the gap in which you have lost teeth and provides you with a complete functioning smile. Understanding the mechanics of dental braces, their advantages and potential disadvantages, and the procedure for dental bridge restoration will help you make healthier choices for your teeth. In LiT Dental in McKinney, TX, we assist patients with the process of looking into all the options of tooth replacement in order to identify the most optimal solution to their needs and lifestyle. We are going to find out all you need to know about dental bridges.

What is a dental bridge and how does it restore the lost teeth?

The dental bridge is a custom made dental restoration which fills the void that has been created by the loss of one or more teeth by attaching a dental bridge literally between the existing teeth. The bridge is made of artificial teeth (so-called pontics) which are fixed by dental crowns on the natural teeth on both sides of the gap. Such supporting teeth are referred to as abutment teeth, and are shaped to accommodate the crowns that help to hold the bridge stable. The dental bridge operation develops an irreversible solution, which appears and acts like the natural teeth. Besides correcting the look of your smile, braces keep your teeth in place when the dental configuration would come out of position when the space has no dental implants to replace them, which keeps your teeth in place and your overall health intact.

Categories of Teeth that they are able to change.

  • Single missing tooth: A single artificial tooth, which is supported by crowns on the adjacent natural teeth.
  • Multiple consecutive teeth: Bridge over more than one tooth which is missing.
  • Front teeth: Teeth visible on the surface and will need close attention to the color and shape to make them look natural.
  • Back molars: Teeth are concerned with chewing and strength.
  • Lateral teeth: Premolars and canines that matter both in functionality and outlook.

What are the leading advantages and benefits of a dental bridge?

Dental bridges have a lot of benefits that render them a common choice of teeth replacement bridges. They improve your capacity to properly chew as well as articulate words without holes which influence sound. Bridges stop teeth movement by occupying the area, and this keeps the teeth in a proper bite position and stops the movement of the adjacent teeth towards the braces. The dental bridge treatment process is also generally quicker than the dental implants, and most times it requires two medical visits. Bridges appear perfectly natural upon having been designed and matched to your existing teeth in terms of color. They are also less expensive in comparison to implants yet have a high level of durability. Most patients can anticipate 5 to 15 years of life with proper maintenance when they pose the question how long do dental bridges last- a good long investment.

What are the possible demerits or risks of dental bridges?

Although dental braces have numerous advantages, it is preferable to know the possible shortfalls so that realistic expectations can be developed. The dental bridge method involves the reintroduction of healthy neighboring teeth to hold the crowns and that permanently alters the adjacent teeth. Bridges do not inhibit the loss of bone in the area where teeth have been lost like dental implants do and this may cause bone loss over time. Bridges need good oral health-cleaning the underparts of the artificial teeth is of extra precaution as to avoid the supporting teeth to deteriorate. In relation to the duration of dental braces life, it is important that one takes care of the well-being of the supporting teeth to have a long life. The materials wear out resulting in the replacement of bridges. Besides that, in case of complications with supporting teeth, the whole bridge would need replacement, as opposed to mere repair.

How does one get a dental bridge step by step?

The process of dental bridge treatment is usually a procedure that takes two dental visits after some weeks apart. The first visit to your dentist will involve the examination of your teeth, the X-rays and the best design of a teeth replacement bridge that fits your case. The dentist will then reshape the teeth that will be supporting your abutment to fit the crowns that will support your bridge. Impressions of your teeth are made in details and sent to a dental laboratory where they are custom-made by skilled technicians. You will be given a temporary bridge to cover the tooth made ready and keep your teeth working until the making of your permanent bridge. Knowing the schedule of the dental bridge process will make you schedule both your appointments as well as the recovery.

  • Primary visit and check-up: Dentist assesses your health of the mouth and decides whether or not you need a bridge.
  • Preparation of teeth: Tooth that supports crowns is reshaped to fit crowns.
  • Impressions: Details molds preserve the exact tooth forms and position of the bites.
  • Temporary bridge application: Preserves ready teeth during the preparation of a permanent bridge.
  • Laboratory work: Custom bridge has been designed to fit your natural teeth (2-3 weeks)
  • Final appointment: Bridge removal and fitting permanent bridge.

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Conclusion

Loss of teeth does not necessarily affect your life or self-esteem. The LiT Dental in McKinney, TX, our skilled staff offers full service teeth replacement, such as our expertly made dental bridges, which will not only help you smile better, but also will make you look beautiful. We professionally and carefully take you through the whole procedure of the dental bridging process to give you the best results that are long-lasting.

Sofia Vaqar

Experienced Dentist at :  LiT Dental

Dr. Vaqar is a caring and committed dentist with over 10 years of experience in helping individuals feel confident in their smiles. Graduated from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Vaqar has built her career and developed a desire to help patients with dental problems.