Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a way that people who have missing teeth can correct their smile in a permanent way. A dentist will use dental crowns on the two teeth on each side of the missing one. If the patient is missing more than one tooth the use of dental implants can help to support a bridge. There are different options that patient and dentist can choose from when a bridge needs to be placed.

The bridge procedure starts when the dentist uses a file on the two teeth that are being fitted for the crown. Impressions of the teeth are then taken so that the dentist can create the dental crowns for the procedure. Once the crowns are made the false tooth is then bonded to them. The patient will return to the dentist to have the crown securely cemented into place.

A traditional bridge will use two teeth on each side of the gap left from a missing tooth. This is the most common type of dental bridge used in dentistry today. The false tooth used in this procedure can be made of either ceramic material or a porcelain material that has been fused to metal. This type of dental bridge can last up to 15 years if taken care of properly.

A Cantilever type dental bridge is used when there is only one tooth near the gap left from the missing tooth. In this procedure the dentist will use a different process for placing the crowns needed to securely hold the false tooth in place. A dental implant is often used to replace the missing tooth needed to hold one of the crowns in place. These teeth implants are one of the more advanced ways a dentist can help their patients with a permanent dental solution. The cantilever bridge does not use any type of metal clasps for its procedure and is often a better choice when a front tooth needs to be replaced.

Dental bridges have both many advantages and some disadvantages to other types of tooth replacements. The bridges are more realistic and natural looking than that of dentures. They do not float around the mouth like that of a denture and do not require any type of adhesive to hold them in place. With dental bridges the patient does is not required to visit the dentist as often as one who chooses dental implants does. Another advantage to a dental bridge is they have a long life-span if taken care of properly. They are also a less expensive alternative to that of teeth implants. One of the disadvantages that dental bridges have is the temperature sensitivity. This discomfort can be felt for a few weeks after the procedure has taken place. They also require the same maintenance as regular teeth do to keep from getting gum diseases and to add more life expectancy into the bridge.