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If you are missing teeth, you may be considering a dental bridge. A dental bridge uses prosthetic teeth to fill in the gap between missing teeth. It can be an effective solution to help restore your smile, giving you back the confidence you deserve.
A dental bridge is a prosthesis that spans the distance between missing teeth. It is made up of crowns on either side of the gap that act as the anchoring teeth to hold the prosthesis in place between them. The bridge can be made from a number of materials, including gold, porcelain, alloys, or a combination of materials, but is typically made from porcelain and constructed to precisely match the size and color of your natural teeth. All dental bridges are supported by the patient’s natural teeth or with dental implants. Dental implants are posts that are surgically positioned into the jawbone to serve as anchors for the crowns.
A dental bridge offers more than just restoring your smile, it aims to function as your own natural teeth would, by maintaining the shape of your face and giving you the ability to eat and speak properly. A bridge can also help prevent the remaining teeth from moving out of position and to evenly distribute the force when eating, as you bite or chew food.
Your dentist will help you decide if a dental bridge is an appropriate option for you and which material will best suit your requirements. This takes into account factors such as the location of the dental bridge and the cost.
Fitting A Dental Bridge
Prior to the procedure, X-rays are taken to establish the health of the surrounding teeth in order to plan for the best restoration for you. The health of your teeth, jaw, and gums, as well as the extent of your missing teeth, will determine how many units your dental bridge requires and whether any other dental work is necessary.
Before fitting the bridge, the teeth needed to anchor the bridge are prepared just as they would be for a crown. This involves removing some of the enamel from the teeth to allow room for the crown to be fitted over them. Once the teeth are prepared, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent off to a dental lab to serve as a model to prepare the dental bridge. Your dentist may create a temporary bridge to wear in order to protect the exposed teeth and gums until your bridge is ready.
Once the customized bridge is ready, the temporary bridge is removed and the new bridge can be fitted. The bridge is put in place and bonded or cemented in the artificial teeth to provide added stability. The dental bridge is then checked, and adjusted by your dentist, to ensure it is comfortable and fitted correctly.
Sometimes, multiple dental visits may be required for adjustments, to check if it fits correctly, and to ensure that your bite is correct.
Depending on the type of dental bridge you go for, with good oral hygiene practices and regular oral exams, and it can last for 10 years or more. In order to prolong the life of your bridge, it is important to keep the remaining teeth strong and healthy to provide a strong foundation and to support the bridge. Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to further tooth loss.
Dental Bridges in Eugene, Oregon
If you need help to restore your smile and self-confidence, visit Dr. Binder at 360 Dental today. We offer the skill and experience you deserve to help you achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for many years to come. Our family-friendly dental practice offers a comprehensive range of general and restorative dental services. To find out more, call us at (541) 689-1645, or you can request an appointment online at our conveniently located office in Eugene.
