Bridging the Gap: A Comprehensive Guide to Dental Bridges
The American College of Prosthodontists reports that around 178 million American adults are missing at least one tooth. Missing teeth can impact your smile, self-confidence, and overall oral health.
Gaps left by missing teeth can cause your remaining teeth to shift and lead to bone loss in your jaw. Dental bridges offer a reliable solution, restoring your smile while maintaining the health and alignment of your teeth.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth, filling gaps in your smile. It typically includes an artificial tooth (pontic) anchored by custom-made crowns attached to adjacent teeth. Dental bridges restore your smile, improve chewing ability, and prevent your teeth from shifting out of alignment.
The Process of Getting Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are safe, minimally invasive, and usually completed over two appointments. During the procedure, you can expect the following steps:
- Consultation: Your dentist evaluates your teeth to determine if a bridge is suitable.
- Preparation: Adjacent (abutment) teeth are reshaped slightly to accommodate crowns.
- Impressions: Impressions of your teeth are taken and sent to a dental lab for bridge fabrication.
- Temporary bridge: A temporary bridge is placed to protect your teeth while your permanent bridge is being made.
- Bridge placement: The temporary bridge is removed, and the permanent bridge is fitted, adjusted, and cemented in place.
- Follow-up: Additional visits may be scheduled to ensure comfort and proper function.
Maintaining Your Dental Bridge
Dental bridges are durable, but proper maintenance helps extend their lifespan. Brush and floss daily, and consider using floss threaders to clean underneath the bridge. Regular dental check-ups help detect any issues early, maintaining the health of your bridge and surrounding teeth.
If you notice discomfort or loosening, contact your dentist immediately to prevent complications.
Restore Your Smile with a Dental Bridge
If you’re interested in a dental bridge, contact Valley Dental Care. Our dedicated team provides personalized care to restore your smile and oral health.
For appointments and consultations, call our Aurora location at (630) 892-2193 or our Oswego location at (630) 551-7000.
Meet the Author
Dr. Sam provides personalized dental care with a focus on prevention, patient education, and modern, comfortable treatment.
Meet Dr. Sam
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