Dental Bridges For people who have missing teeth, bridgework can help reclaim the function and look of their smile. A dental bridge simply connects the space left after losing a tooth. A dental bridge helps prevent the existing teeth from drifting and moving out of their desired place. These restorations help restore your chewing and speaking ability. Receiving dental bridges from our team at Jerome Riddle DDS allows you to improve your bite function and restore your smile. Types of Dental BridgesYou can choose from different kinds of dental bridges. Traditional fixed bridges are the most common ones. These feature two or more crowns along with the filler tooth, or teeth. It is the crowns that hold the bridge in place. Conventional bridges are designed of ceramics, metal, or porcelain-fused-to-metal. You may also consider a cantilever bridge, which is a restoration where the pontic joints are only a single support tooth. If you have teeth on one side of the lost one, then a cantilever bridge can be an option. Maryland dental bridges are also available. These are also referred to as a resin-bonded bridge. This type of bridge is ideal for people who have missing front teeth. Maryland dental bridges are made of ceramic or porcelain-fused-to-metal and are supported by a framework. There are wings on the sides of the bridge that attach to the existing teeth. Another type is the implant-supported bridge. These are similar to conventional fixed bridges, however, they come with an implant to secure them. Rather than having the bridges cemented onto other teeth, they are held by implants. Placement of Dental BridgesNormally, we will require two appointments to complete the bridgework. You will come in for the first appointment where our dentist, after confirming your candidacy for bridges, will prepare the abutment teeth. Our dentist will shave down the teeth that will support the pontic or artificial teeth. The dentist will cement two crowns on both adjacent or abutment teeth. The aim of shaving down the teeth is to make room for the fitting of the crown. After that, impressions are taken. These impressions provide precise measurements of the teeth to be replaced. The mold obtained from the impression serves to create the crowns, pontic, and bridge. Meanwhile, our dentist will fit temporary bridges in the gap so that they protect the exposed areas, including the filed-down surfaces as well as the gap. The final visit involves the fitting of the permanent bridges. Our dentist will remove the temporary bridges and fit the permanent ones, making sure that the final bridge is properly positioned in place. Adjustments will be made to correct any problems with the fitting of the final bridges. Tips to Care for Dental BridgesYou can expect your bridges to serve you for up to seven years. The duration in which the restorations last depends on the health of the other teeth as well as your oral care and hygiene. If the supporting teeth, for instance, fail or decay heavily, they can cause the dental bridges to fail. With proper oral hygiene together with professional cleanings, it is possible for the bridgework to last longer. Learn more about dental bridges by consulting our team at Jerome Riddle DDS. Call us at 480-991-4410 for an appointment. |
