Studies show that people missing one or many teeth have a decrease in their self-esteem. It leads to feeling self-conscious about your smile, makes you feel awkward when interacting with others, it’s hard to eat and speak, and you even look older.
Thanks to modern dentistry, there are many ways to replace lost teeth. Dental bridges in Chestermere are one of them, and we will talk about it below.
What is a Dental Bridge?
It is a dental device that replaces one or more missing teeth. It consists of fake teeth that join together in one unit, and a prosthetic dentist near you cements it so you can look natural again.
They can be made of porcelain, metal, or porcelain fused with metal.
There are many types of dental bridges near you.
Types of Dental Bridges
Our prosthetic dentist in Chestermere will evaluate you and determine what type will suit you best. They are the following:
1. Traditional dental bridge – It is the most popular type. A traditional dental bridge consists of a pontic (the fake tooth that will replace your missing dental piece) and a dental crown on each side next to it. The crowns will cap your natural teeth to hold the pontic in place.
2. Maryland bridge – It consists of a fake tooth that attaches to the back of the adjacent teeth of the gap thanks to metal frameworks (also known as the wings of the Maryland bridge because of their shape). in two anchoring teeth (the adjacent teeth to the gap).
3. Implant-supported bridge – As its name suggests, it is a dental bridge installed over dental implants instead of natural teeth. A dental implant is a metal post that a surgeon places inside our jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
Among the benefits, you may find the following:
1. Aesthetics – Dental bridges replace your missing teeth; therefore, you will show a radiant smile again.
2. No learning curve – Unlike dentures, you don’t need to practice speaking or eating with your dental brides. You will adapt right away.
3. Long-lasting – They may last up to 10 years, sometimes more, depending on how the patient cares for it.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
To extend the life of your dental bridge, you must:
1- Brush your teeth – Twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes.
2- Floss – Since the dental bridge is a single device, it doesn’t have a space between the pontic and the crowns on each side. You may use other devices, such as water flossers, or discuss with your dental professional the best way of removing dental plaque and food debris around the dental bridge.
3- Avoid sugary foods – Even though a dental bridge cannot develop a cavity, the tooth underneath can. Sugar is the enemy of teeth; hence, reducing its consumption is the wise thing to do.
What to Expect from the Procedure?
Your dental professional will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area. Then, they will shave down the adjacent teeth to the gap to make room for the dental crowns. They will take a mold of your mouth, and a dental technician will create the piece.
In the meantime, you will wear a temporary dental bridge.
When it’s ready, you will visit a dental office for the fitting and cementing. They are permanent, which means you may not remove them.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you have any other questions regarding dental bridges, you may contact our dental clinic. We have a team of caring experts looking forward to helping you restore your smile for better life quality.