What is a dental bridge?

Dental bridges in poulsbo washington are a popular tooth replacement option preferred by many. A dental bridge is a dental prosthetic that is installed in your mouth to replace one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges get their name from the fact that the prosthetic bridges the gap created by the missing tooth. How does this work? For example, a traditional dental bridge, or tooth-supported bridge, is made of two artificial teeth, or crowns, designed to attach to the natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth. In between these two crowns is the artificial tooth that will replace the missing tooth. Below is more information on dental bridges, the types of bridges available, and details on who may be a good candidate for a dental bridge.

Why get a dental bridge?

Dental bridges are a great tooth replacement option for many reasons, including:

• A bridge will restore the ability to chew and speak normally
• A bridge will replace the space taken up by a tooth, preventing your other teeth from shifting
• A bridge will help keep your bite intact

Types of dental bridges

There are 3 common types of dental bridges available:

Traditional dental bridge: a traditional bridge has an artificial crown designed to fit to the natural tooth on each side of the missing tooth. In between the crowns is an artificial tooth called a pontic. The most common traditional bridges are made from porcelain or ceramic and are attached to metal.

Cantilever bridge: a cantilever bridge is a designed bridge for when there is only an adjacent tooth on one side of the missing tooth. Cantilever bridges are not very common and only recommended for unusual cases.

Maryland bonded bridge: Maryland bridges, also known as resin-bonded bridge, are made from porcelain or plastic on metal. These bridges are designed to have a frame with wings that are bonded to existing nearby teeth.

Before you commit to getting a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth, it may be helpful to get an idea of the process you will go through to get a bridge. Getting a dental bridge will take at least 2 visits to the dentist.

For example, if you are getting a traditional bridge: At the first visit, your dentist will prepare the adjacent teeth to the missing tooth. The adjacent teeth will need to be reshaped and have their enamel removed so that the crowns will fit on top. Next, you will need to get an impression made of your teeth to help provide the exact measurements to build your bridge. At the second visit, your dentist will install your new custom bridge. Your dentist will take time, making sure the bridge fits properly. If the bridge is designed to be firmly fixed in your mouth, your dentist will likely first temporarily install the bridge with cement for a few weeks before permanently securing it with bonding after a few weeks. All of this extra attention is to ensure the bridge is comfortable and a good fit for you.

More on Dental Bridges : Maryland Dental Bridge