What Is a Dental Bridge?

Dental Bridges Scottsdale, AZ

Along with other treatments, a dental bridge is a common way to improve a smile and help you feel better about your appearance. This procedure can replace missing teeth and close embarrassing gaps in your mouth. If you undergo this process, you can have less anxiety in social situations and want to open your mouth more. Our dentist has the knowledge and training to provide effective treatment. Before you get a dental bridge, it is important to understand how this process works and whether it is right for your oral health.

 

Brief overview

When a person thinks of a bridge, they may think of a pathway over water or a gorge, allowing people to cross over without being in danger. This walkway connects two points over a space. The dental version works similarly, only in a person's mouth. This treatment bridges the distance between natural teeth using two or more crowns on either side of the gap of teeth. It uses existing teeth — abutment teeth — as an anchor for false teeth when a patient has lost them or when a dentist has to pull them out. Durable artificial teeth are usually made of porcelain, though some dentists use gold, alloys, or a combination of two or more materials.

Who needs a bridge?

This intervention is helpful for patients who have one or more missing teeth. This treatment can be a smart option if the person does not want implants or partial dentures. Some patients lose teeth due to poor oral habits, such as a lack of brushing or flossing. Extraction may be the only course when tooth decay is so severe that the dentist cannot salvage the tooth. Also, hard blows can knock out teeth. People who play sports or who suffer an accident commonly lose their teeth this way.

Types of dental bridges

There are three main types of dental bridges: traditional, cantilever, and Maryland-bonded bridges.

  • Traditional bridges: Traditional bridges are made of porcelain or ceramic material fused with metal. The general dentist makes a crown for the tooth on either side of the missing tooth. This is the most common type of bridge
  • Cantilever bridges: These bridges are used on one adjacent side of the missing tooth or teeth. Cantilever bridges are not common, and dentists do not recommend placing them in the back of the patient's mouth. By doing so, they can put too much pressure on other teeth and cause further damage
  • Maryland bonded bridges: Maryland bonded bridges, also known as resin-bonded bridges, are made of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal or porcelain frame. Metal or porcelain wings are usually placed on only one side of the bridge bonded to the patient's existing teeth or implants
     

There is a fourth type of dental bridge known as an implant-supported bridge. These bridges are similar to traditional bridges, but instead of being cemented to teeth, they are held in place by implants. Nevertheless, the type of dental bridge a patient receives depends on their overall oral health and their individual needs to fi a gap between their teeth.

 

The process

The dentist will begin by examining the mouth and taking X-rays. Crowns will go over the existing teeth, so the dentist will first shave down the teeth so the cap will fit. After cementing the cap, the dentist will take an impression so a lab technician can construct the false teeth. Next, the patient will get a temporary item until the permanent one is available. The dentist will check the temporary bridge at the next appointment to ensure it fits properly. The dentist will remove the temporary device if everything looks and feels right. The dentist will then fix the permanent one in place and make the required adjustments to make the patient comfortable.

Benefits of a bridge

This apparatus allows the patient to speak and eat normally once again. Bridges also restore a patient's smile and improve their self-confidence. The device helps correctly distribute bite force and maintains the shape of the person's face. A bridge can keep natural teeth in the right position. The bridge can be effective for up to 15 years with proper maintenance.

Make an appointment

Our dentist strives to improve patients' smiles and help them feel more at ease in public and in daily life. Consider the advantages of this treatment and the benefits it can provide. It would be best if you did not have to live with missing teeth anymore. Call our office today to make an appointment to discuss your desire to repair your dental issues.

Request an appointment here: https://sonorandesertdentistry.com or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at (480) 439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Bridges in Scottsdale, AZ.

Recent Posts

Improve Your Oral Health With A Dental Bridge

Think you might need a dental bridge? Read on to learn more about this restoration. According to the National Institute of Craniofacial and Dental Research, adults aged 20–64 have an average of three decayed or missing teeth. A dental bridge is among the most important restorative dentistry procedures, helping to restore optimal dental health and…

When Is A Dental Bridge Recommended To Replace Missing Teeth?

A dental bridge, sometimes described as fixed partial dentures, is a type of dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges are made of porcelain or other materials. The tooth or teeth on either side of the gap are prepared to receive crowns and false teeth (known as pontics). The false teeth…

Oral Hygiene Routines For Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are effective at replacing missing teeth. However, having a bridge does not mean that you can neglect your oral hygiene. On the contrary, with a bridge, dental hygiene becomes even more important than before. However, you may have to learn new techniques for cleaning your dental bridge, as well as avoid some behaviors…

Repairing Gaps With A Dental Bridge

Did you know that you can repair teeth gaps with a dental bridge? The purpose of a dental bridge is to replace missing teeth, which often leads to cosmetic, functional, and oral health concerns. Understanding the pros and cons of dental bridge treatment can help you decide whether it is right for you or if…

Recent Posts

Invisalign For Teens: FAQs About The Procedure

Invisalign For Teens: FAQs About The Procedure

Invisalign® has been around for a little more than two decades and, in that time, has corrected millions of smiles. As a result, dentists feel confident recommending Invisalign® for teens, which is precisely what it sounds like — a clear aligner system designed specifically for teens’ smiles. As a parent, you may have several concerns…

Invisalign Can Correct Your Teen’s Improper Bite

Invisalign Can Correct Your Teen’s Improper Bite

The teenage years can be awkward, especially for those who have to deal with crooked teeth. Invisalign® presents an alternative to traditional braces, and these clear aligners can have the same corrective impact with less discomfort both physically and socially for a self-conscious teen. The benefits of clear aligners and the ability to correct an…