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Dental Bridges: Restoring Your Smile’s Function and Appearance
A healthy smile is essential for both appearance and overall oral health. Missing teeth can disrupt chewing, cause adjacent teeth to shift, and alter facial structure. Dental bridges restore smile function and appearance for confidence and comfort. At Plaza Dental Parker, we specialize in providing high-quality dental bridges tailored to meet the unique needs of our patients. As the best dentist in Parker, CO, we are committed to helping you achieve a smile you can be proud of.
Understanding Dental Bridges
Dentists use dental bridges as prosthetic devices to replace one or more missing teeth, bridging the gap between adjacent teeth. They include artificial teeth called pontics, anchored by dental crowns to neighboring teeth or implants.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges available, including:
Traditional Bridges: These bridges hold one or more pontics with dental crowns on each side. Dentists most commonly use them when natural teeth are adjacent to the missing tooth or teeth.
Cantilever Bridges: Cantilever bridges anchor to only one adjacent tooth instead of two, similar to traditional bridges. They typically use them when only one natural tooth is next to the gap.
Maryland Bridges: Maryland bridges bond metal or porcelain to adjacent teeth with resin. They are a conservative option that preserves the structure of the adjacent teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges: Dental implants support these bridges, surgically placing them in the jawbone. They offer a stable and long-lasting solution for replacing multiple missing teeth without affecting the adjacent natural teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer numerous benefits for patients with missing teeth, including:
Restored Function: Bridges help you chew and speak comfortably, enhancing confidence in communication.
Improved Appearance: Bridges fill in gaps left by missing teeth, enhancing the appearance of your smile and boosting your self-esteem.
Prevention of Teeth Shifting: Bridges prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, avoiding bite issues and additional tooth loss.
Preservation of Facial Structure: Missing teeth can cause changes in facial structure over time, leading to a sunken appearance. Bridges help maintain the natural shape and contour of your face, promoting a more youthful appearance.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
The process of getting a dental bridge typically requires two or more dental visits. During the first visit, your dentist evaluates your oral health, takes tooth impressions, and plans treatment. If the bridge requires support from dental implants, the dentist will surgically place them in the jawbone first.
Next, dentists prepare adjacent teeth by removing some enamel for the crowns. Dentists will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab, where they will fabricate your custom bridge.
Once the bridge is ready, you will return to the dental office for the final fitting. Your dentist will check the fit and appearance of the bridge before permanently cementing it in place. Dentists may make adjustments as needed to ensure a comfortable fit and proper bite.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for prolonging the lifespan of your dental bridge. Here are some tips for caring for your bridge:
Brush and floss regularly: Brush teeth twice daily and floss to clean around the bridge and under pontics.
Use a bridge floss threader: Use special floss or a threader to clean under pontics and around crowns.
Schedule regular dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups maintain bridge health and integrity.
Contact Us
Dental bridges are a reliable and effective solution for restoring your smile’s function and appearance after tooth loss. At Plaza Dental Parker, we dedicate ourselves to providing you with a healthy, confident smile. If you’re considering dental bridges or any other dental treatment, schedule an appointment with us today.