Dental bridges are used to ‘bridge’ gaps in your smile where teeth have been lost. They work well to restore both functionality and aesthetics to your smile.
Your dentist will reshape your existing teeth to create the base for the new bridge by creating abutments, which will involve removing some enamel from your existing teeth. They will then take an impression of your mouth to send off to a laboratory for the permanent dental bridges Louisville KY to be created.
Aesthetics
Unlike dentures, which are removable and require special cleaning, dental bridges are permanently anchored to healthy teeth. They also look, feel, and function like natural teeth and can be brushed and flossed as usual.
Gaps created by missing teeth can cause remaining teeth to shift into the empty spaces, resulting in increased tension on those teeth, pain while chewing, and impaired speech. A dental bridge improves your oral health and the appearance of your smile by filling in those gaps with a false tooth held in place either by existing teeth or implants.
The most common type of bridge is a traditional fixed (non-removable) bridge that consists of two dental crowns which go over the anchoring teeth and are connected to pontics, the fake teeth that fill in the gap. Your dentist will prepare the anchoring teeth by removing a portion of enamel and dentin before creating the impressions needed to fabricate your bridge. Other types of bridges include cantilever and Maryland bridges.
Function
Like their name suggests, dental bridges fill gaps in the teeth and help restore chewing and speech. Getting a dental bridge usually involves two separate visits to the dentist. The first visit is when the dentist preps the healthy teeth next to the gap by shaping them and taking a mould for the permanent bridge.
The second visit is when the dentist puts in the permanent bridge and cements it in place. To prolong the lifespan of the bridge, it’s important to brush and floss regularly. Patients should also avoid sticky or hard foods that may loosen the bridge.
Missing teeth can have an adverse effect on the occlusion (bite), the shape of the face, and your self-esteem. With proper care, a bridge can improve your appearance and function, giving you a confident smile. Contact our Louisville practice to learn more about the treatment options available. Schedule your consultation today!.
Durability
If you care for your bridge properly, it can last for many years. Your dentist will provide instructions for how to clean the area under the bridge and will check your bridge for signs of decay. Dental floss is typically used to clean the area, but a toothbrush can also be effective. Make sure you brush and floss regularly, and visit the dentist for regular cleanings.
Your teeth are designed to work as a team, and when one member is missing, the rest of the team suffers. Dental bridges can restore the function and aesthetics of your smile, giving you a full roster of healthy teeth. Contact our office today to find out if dental bridges are the right solution for you. Our prosthodontist, Jyme Charette, has extensive training in this field and genuinely cares about each patient. He sees them as individuals and not just cases or numbers in his appointment book. He will help you find the solution that is right for your specific needs and goals.
Comfort
Unlike dentures, which are removed for cleaning and eating, dental bridges Louisville KY are permanent appliances. They also don’t shift or cause discomfort in the way that missing teeth do.
Dental bridges are constructed from durable materials like porcelain and fused to metal. They can last many years with good oral hygiene.
The process of getting a dental bridge involves two or more visits. First, the existing teeth on either side of the gap are numb and recontoured to create a foundation for the crowns. A mold is then taken and sent to a lab.
The bridge consists of the anchoring natural teeth (called abutments), and the pontic, or false tooth. The abutments and pontic are crafted to look and feel like your own natural teeth. Traditional bridges are supported by the abutments on both sides; cantilever bridges are used when there is only one healthy anchoring tooth on one side; and implant-supported bridges connect to your jawbone with dental implants.
