Having a gap in the teeth can be uncomfortable when eating and highly embarrassing when talking and laughing. Gaps in the teeth occur as a result of removing decayed or damaged teeth. There are a number of ways to fill the gap, and dental bridges are one of the most widely used. Because dental bridges restore the attractiveness of a person, they are also placed under cosmetic dentistry, although their utilitarian purpose is equally important. Dental bridges are a daily part of dental care in Childress TX.
What are dental bridges?
Dental bridges are made of made of three crowns – two prosthetic crowns on either side of the gap and one prosthetic crown, called pontic, in the gap. The pontics are made of gold, porcelain, alloys or a mixture of these. All three crowns are anchored to the natural teeth on the left and right of the gap. They can also be supported by dental implants.
Types of dental bridges
Dental bridges come in three basic types: traditional, cantilever and Maryland bounded bridges. Traditional bridges are the most widely used and are made by securing a pontic between two adjacent crowns. Cantilever bridges are made when there is only one adjacent tooth. Maryland bridges are plastic teeth and gums that are supported by a metal framework. They are bonded to the existing teeth by metal wings on each side of the bridge.
How are dental bridges made?
The making of dental bridges takes at least two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the adjacent teeth, which are called abutment teeth, are altered to provide space for the pontic. These teeth may have portions of their enamel removed to make room for a crown to be placed on them. Then the impression teeth are made to serve as a model for the bridge, pontic and the crowns to be made later in the lab. Then a temporary bridge is placed to protect the exposed teeth and gum. During the second visit, the temporary bridge is removed and replaced by a permanent bridge. Follow up visits may be required to check and adjust the bridge until it is fully cemented.
Benefits of dental bridges
A dental bridge fills up the gap left by a missing tooth and restores the ability to chew. With a full set of teeth, speaking also becomes easier. It also prevents the adjacent teeth from slowly drifting into the space left vacant by the missing tooth. If left untreated, this can result in an imbalanced jawbone in the long term. On the aesthetic side, a dental bridge restores the recipient’s attractiveness by removing the toothless grin and laugh, which can be highly unattractive. Once put in place, dental bridges can last for up to ten years. Dental bridges are so common that they are a routine part of dental care in Childress TX.
