Are Bridges a Good Option for Me?
Bridges may be an excellent option for you if you have a gap left by one or more missing teeth, or if one or more of your teeth is severely decayed or broken, requiring extraction. Bridges are an especially good option if the teeth adjacent to the gap need crowns in the near future. Some people that would otherwise opt for a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, yet want to avoid the complex placement process, choose dental bridges instead.
Bridges look as beautiful and lifelike as natural healthy teeth; they are virtually undetectable in the mouth. In addition to their aesthetic benefits, bridges restore the ability to chew and speak. They help support a proper bite, preventing bite-related complications, and stop the remaining teeth from shifting around the mouth into the gap (which can cause even more bite problems). Bridges also help to maintain the shape of the face.
Types of Bridges
Traditional bridges are composed of an artificial tooth, also called a pontic, which is flanked by two crowns on either side. The crowns fit over the teeth adjacent to the gap, and the pontic rests in the space of the gap.
Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth adjacent to only one side of the gap. Cantilever bridges also use crowns, but the layout is different. Two crowns are affixed to the teeth on one side of the gap, and the pontic is placed in the gap. Some cantilever bridges only use a pontic and one crown placed on a tooth adjacent to the gap.
The third type of bridge is known as a Maryland bonded bridge. These bridges have a metal framework that connects to the back of an artificial tooth. The tooth is placed in the gap and the metal “wings” are bonded to the back of the teeth adjacent to the gap to keep the bridge firmly in place.
Bridges can be made of several types of materials, but our practice prefers using porcelain materials whenever possible, because they mimic the appearance of natural tooth enamel.
Treatment Details
After examining your teeth and learning more about your dental needs, our team will recommend the type of bridge best suited to your case. Photographs and impressions will be taken to help plan out your bridgework. We will send the specifications to the dental laboratory that will construct the bridge. Once it is ready, we will cement it into place and ensure a comfortable fit and good bite structure.
To ensure the longevity of your bridge, you should follow good oral hygiene habits. Brush and floss around the bridge daily, and visit our office at least twice a year so we can check for any problems. Avoid biting or chewing on hard objects, as bridges may crack or fracture under enough pressure.
Learn More about Dental Bridges
The talented team at Dentistry of Sugar Hill provides top oral care for dental patients in Johns Creek, Suwanee, and Buford. To learn more about dental bridges or to discuss your treatment options with our dental professionals, contact us today and request an appointment!
