Missing teeth affect many aspects of your life, including how you eat and interact with others. After experiencing tooth loss, you must decide what type of tooth replacement best suits your needs. One alternative that offers quick and affordable results is dental bridges. Although it is not the newest or most sophisticated technique for tooth replacement, it is the best option for many patients. In this article, you will learn about the many benefits of acquiring dental bridges near you and what this process entails.
How Do Dental Bridges Work?
Our dentist near you uses dental bridges to fill in the gaps in your smile. They consist of one or more fake teeth, also called pontics and are supported by dental crowns. These dental crowns are placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap in your smile. Therefore, to consider dental bridges, these adjacent teeth (called abutment teeth) must be in great condition to anchor the pontics.
Not All Dental Bridges are the Same
There are four types of dental bridges near you. As their name indicates, traditional bridges are the most common ones. They work in the fashion mentioned above, anchored by dental crowns placed on the natural teeth adjacent to each side of the pontics. They are generally made of ceramics or porcelain fused with metal, which makes them very strong and able to replace any type of teeth. Before the procedure, our dentist will examine the abutment teeth to ensure they can support the dental bridge. Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional ones, except they only require one abutment tooth.
Maryland dental bridges are also similar to traditional bridges but don’t use dental crowns on the abutment teeth to stay in place. On the contrary, they use a metal or porcelain framework to anchor the pontics. Finally, implant-supported bridges are the most stable type of dental bridge. These don’t require dental crowns since dental implants anchor them. The number of dental implants used to support this type of bridge depends on the preference of our dentist in Spruce Grove. Sometimes, they only use a dental implant on each pontic side, while others insert an implant for each missing tooth.
The Process Of Acquiring a Dental Bridge
Obtaining a dental bridge is very simple. The first step our dentist will take is filing down your abutment teeth to place the dental crowns, which will anchor the pontics. Then, our dentist will take an impression of your teeth that will be used to make the bridge. Once it is ready, our dentist will place it; after this, no rest is needed.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
The main benefit of acquiring a dental bridge is its affordability compared to other tooth replacement alternatives, such as dental implants. Even though they are very affordable, they are still a great option that looks natural and highly functional. Also, they can be placed rather quickly, contrasting with dental implants that can take several months while the gums and jawbone heal. It is also a very safe procedure with a very short recovery. Finally, since this procedure is much simpler than other dental replacement options, it is perfect for patients with underlying conditions who can’t undergo complex procedures. This is the case of patients with diabetes whose recovery from a more complicated intervention, like dental implant surgery, can be very difficult. Dental bridges offer these patients natural results while not having to worry about their recovery.