Are you struggling to eat or talk because of missing teeth? If so, receiving treatment for restorative dentistry is something you should seriously consider – more specifically, receiving a dental bridge.
Alongside dental implants, a crown, and a filling, a dental bridge is a prosthetic that’s designed to fill in gaps in your smile. There are different forms of dental bridges that you can receive, meaning that they can be installed anywhere in your mouth.
For more information about dental bridges in Sherwood Park, get in touch with our local dental practice.
Dental Bridges
The main reason that dental professionals recommend receiving a dental bridge is to remedy a smile that has one, two, or multiple gaps left behind by teeth that have fallen out.
People can be missing teeth for multiple reasons, including, but certainly not limited to the following:
- Aging.
- Genetics.
- Facial injury, whether it’s due to trauma or playing sports.
- Periodontal (gum) disease.
- Tooth decay or cavities.
- Poor dental hygiene.
As is illustrated by the name, a dental bridge fills in the space between your teeth. The prosthetic is comprised of an artificial tooth (also called a pontic) that fills in the space, and two dental crowns that are attached to your neighboring teeth. The crowns help keep the bridge in place. Dental implants can be incorporated into this framework too, to provide extra support.
Usually, your bridge will be created from metal, porcelain, or composite resin. Metal is more affordable and durable but, both porcelain and resin easily mimic the natural appearance of your smile; if you receive them, only you and your dentist will know that you’ve undergone restorative dentistry!
In addition to missing teeth, dental bridges can help alleviate:
- Bite and chewing problems.
- Unnecessary stress and pain on your jaw.
- Embarrassment with the way your smile looks.
To learn more about this, and to determine whether receiving a dental bridge is the right choice for you, visit a dental clinic near you. Your dentist will be able to address any queries or concerns that you have about this process.
The Dental Bridge Process
If your dentist in Sherwood Park has given you the green light to go ahead and receive a dental bridge, you’ll need to come in for at least two other visits.
The first appointment will focus preparing your mouth to receive the bridge. Your dentist will examine your mouth and take x-rays of your teeth and gums to have a better understanding of your oral health. Impressions will also be taken of your mouth and sent off to the dental lab – this information helps create each aspect of your prosthetic.
Next, your teeth will be prepped. This entails removing a bit of your enamel and dentin (the layer beneath the enamel) from the surface of your smile so that the bridge can fit better.
Once the bridge is made, you’ll need to come back to have it installed. Your dentist will make sure that it satisfies your oral dimensions and doesn’t impact your bite.
Although dental bridges aren’t permanent, if you take good care of them, they should last you up to ten years or more. Eating soft foods for the first few days, brushing and flossing after meals, and coming in for routine cleanings and checkups will help with this.
At Aspire Smiles, we offer convenient treatment for dental bridges near you. Our capable team of dentists and dental hygienists are here to assist you however we can and make sure that your journey to repair your oral health is successful and pain-free. Contact us today to get started!