Missing teeth can significantly impact your smile and self-esteem, but most importantly, it dramatically affects oral health. Therefore, you must know the available treatment options to replace a lost tooth and then make an informed decision.
Out of all the options available, dental bridges might be just the right option for you.
Why? Because there's no doubt that bridges come with several benefits. However, the most prominent advantage is that it effectively restores your missing teeth and helps restore a beautiful smile.
Do you want to know more about dental bridges and how they can replace your missing teeth, especially the front teeth? Then here's all you need to know!
What is a dental bridge?
Anyone looking to restore one or more missing teeth, including the front teeth, can opt for a dental bridge treatment.
A tooth bridge, also known as a fixed partial denture, is one of the most efficient tooth replacement options to restore one or more missing teeth.
A dentist may use two or more crowns to secure the tooth bridge in the correct position. If you are missing a natural tooth, your dentist may suggest having bridgework after getting implants on each side of the gap to keep the bridge in place.
Dental bridges generally consist of:
• Crowns for natural teeth;
• (or) Abutment teeth if implants are used;
• and False teeth between those crowns, also known as Pontic.
Why do you need dental bridges?
All your teeth work together, and one or more missing teeth can impact that coordination. For example, if a tooth is missing, there's a chance for the adjacent teeth to move into the space giving rise to a bad teeth alignment. As a result of which, you may experience-
• Difficulty in chewing
• Pain because of stress caused on your teeth and jaw.
• Loss of self-esteem
• Self-consciousness about your smile
Under such circumstances, you may want to undergo dental bridgework to replace your missing teeth, even if it's your frontal pairs.
Choosing to undergo a dental bridgework or front dental bridge will help restore your beautiful smile, and you will no more find it difficult to chew or bite. Furthermore, dental bridges will also help maintain your facial structures, readjust your bite shape, and deter teeth from moving out of their current position.
Types Of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can be classified into four different types, and they are:
• Traditional fixed bridges
Traditional dental bridges are one of the most prevalent tooth replacement methods, requiring implantation of a crown on each side of the missing tooth or implant with a pontic in between. Most traditional bridges are made of metal, porcelain, amalgam, or ceramics.
• Cantilever bridges
Another tooth replacement option is the Cantilever bridge that connects to only one abutment tooth. People with just one tooth adjacent to the gap mainly undergo this procedure.
• Maryland bonded bridge or resin-bonded bridge
Maryland bonded bridges, also known as the resin-bonded bridge, are composed of porcelain fused to metal or ceramic teeth supported by a framework. This tooth replacement option is used to replace missing front teeth. Here, the metal or porcelain wings bond with your existing teeth on either side of the bridge to yield the best result.
• Implant-supported bridge
The primary difference between an implant-supported dental bridge and a traditional tooth bridge is that the former is cemented to the teeth, while implants support the latter.
What is the process of getting dental bridges?
To opt for dental bridges, you must know that you'll need at least two appointments to complete the procedure.
During your first session
Preparing the abutment- Your dentist will first prepare the dental abutment during your initial consultation. To accommodate the crown, the dentist may need to remove some enamel and dentin from the treatment area.
Digital impression- Your dentist will then take dental images or a digital scan of your teeth so they can craft that perfect dental bridge for you. While your final tooth bridge is prepared, a temporary dental bridgework will protect your mouth.
During your second session
Permanent bridge placement- In your second visit, your dentist will replace the temporary tooth bridge with a custom-made permanent bridge. Finally, your dentist will carefully inspect your permanent dental bridgework and make any required adjustments to ensure it fits you perfectly.
Are you planning to undergo dental bridgework in Sunnyvale? In that case, it is recommended that you choose a qualified dental clinic or a family dentistry that can maintain the cleanest and most sanitary atmosphere possible to ensure a safe and risk-free treatment.
At Trident, we ensure complete patient safety and maintain the utmost international hygiene standards to deter any risk of complications.
Our dental staff customizes dental bridges for each patient based on their oral health condition. Therefore, if you are booking a session with us, you are sure to receive personalized dental bridges that fit your mouth.
The best part?
You will undergo a pain-free procedure and quick recovery, provided you strictly adhere to the post-op instruction provided by our dentist.
How long does it take to settle to adjust?
It's understandable to be curious about the recovery phase involved in dental bridgework. Immediately after receiving a dental bridge, you may experience discomfort or altered sensations in your mouth which is normal.
As the effect of anesthesia starts to wear off, and once the area of treatment starts to heal, you may also experience tooth sensitivity. The good news is none of these are permanent side effects, and these side effects only persist until your bridge settles down, so do not panic.
Generally, it takes about two weeks to settle down properly. While your dental bridge settles down, it is essential to strictly abide by your dentist's instructions, which include avoiding very hot or cold meals. Additionally, using toothpaste for sensitive teeth during the first few days will help alleviate pain or discomfort.
Dental bridges are expected to last approximately ten years with adequate maintenance and routine dental examinations.
However, before undergoing dental bridgework, you must remember that the success of a dental bridge operation largely depends on the technical expertise of the specialists, so it is advisable to undergo this dental treatment from reputed clinics only.
As one of the leading family dentistry in Sunnyvale, we at Trident recommend you consult with our top dentist, who can assist you in the whole process.
Ready to book your consultation today?
