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DENTAL BRIDGES
WHAT IS A DENTAL BRIDGE
A dental bridge is non-removable appliance that is fixed to existing teeth, in order to replace other missing teeth. Dental bridges are a great way to restore the patient's smile and provide the necessary functionality that a missing tooth would have provided. Bridges can also help to prevent other teeth from shifting out of place and can help to maintain the patient's facial structure. Dental bridges are permanent fixtures and are highly durable. They should only need replacement after many years have passed, or need to be re-cemented, due to normal wear. Your dentist will describe several types of bridges and advise you on the best option for your particular case.
HOW DOES A DENTAL BRIDGE PROCEDURE WORK?
Bridges are a common dental treatment for patients who have lost one or more teeth, either due to injury or decay. The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. This type of bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It should be noted that traditional bridges require putting crowns over healthy teeth.
WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES TO DENTAL BRIDGES?
The alternatives to dental bridges are dental implants and partial dentures. An often preferred alternative to dental bridges, is implants. Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth and involve surgically placing a metal post into the jawbone and attaching a crown to it. Partial dentures, on the other hand, are removable and involve replacing the missing tooth with a false tooth that is held in place with metal clasps.
WHY DID MY DENTIST RECOMMEND A DENTAL BRIDGE?
Dental bridges are recommended by dentists when a patient is missing one or more teeth due to trauma, decay, or other causes. A bridge is a false tooth, or pontic, that is held in place by two crowns on either side of it. The crowns are attached to the adjacent teeth, which act as anchors to support the bridge. Dental bridges are ideal for patients who are missing one or more teeth and who have healthy adjacent teeth to support the bridge. Bridges are a good solution for patients who are not suitable for dental implants due to medical reasons, or for those who do not want to wear partial dentures. Dental bridges are a great solution for replacing missing teeth. They are recommended by dentists for patients who have healthy adjacent teeth and are not suitable for dental implants or partial dentures. Bridges help to restore the patient's smile and provide the necessary functionality that a missing tooth would have provided. Your dentist is the best person to speak to, should you need advice on whether dental bridges are the right solution for you.