
Our dental experts at Medhat Dental Excellence will advise you on a
dental bridge if you come to our office with one or two missing teeth. As the name suggests, dental bridges fill the space left by missing teeth by placing artificial teeth in the gap. The bridges are supported on the adjacent healthy teeth. The supporting teeth are known as abutments, while the false teeth are referred to as pontics or dental prostheses.
Pontics can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, gold, and other metal alloys, or a blend of these materials. Instead of attaching the dental prosthesis to abutment teeth, a patient may choose to use
dental implants instead. We may also propose the use of implants if the adjacent teeth are already supporting other bridges, or are not strong enough for the purpose.
There are different types of bridges including: traditional bridges, Maryland bridges, cantilever bridges, and implant-supported bridges. Traditional bridges are made by bonding a
dental crown to the teeth adjacent to the gap and using the bridge to support the pontic. Maryland bridges are attached to the rear side of the abutment tooth on both sides of the bridge using a porcelain or metal frame.
If the supporting tooth on either side of the bridge is weak or already supports another bridge, then we make a Cantilever bridge on the other side. This is, however, not a common option since the pontic can cause pressure on and eventually damage the supporting tooth. Implant-supported bridges work in the same way as traditional bridges, but implants, rather than natural teeth, are used to support the bridge.
How Does It Work?
The process of placing a dental bridge may differ according to the four types of bridges discussed. In the case of traditional bridges, we prepare the abutment teeth on the first visit. This implies contouring them so they can support the crown. We then make impressions of the teeth and send them to the lab so they can be used to model the pontic and crowns. If you like, we may place a temporary bridge for the days before the permanent bridge is done. This protects the gum and adjacent teeth.
On the second visit, we remove the temporary bridge and place the crowns and bridge to ensure a perfect fit. We also ask you to test the bite before fixing the bridge in place. It may take a couple of days before the bridge is fully bonded, so you should use them carefully to begin with.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Any gap between teeth that is left for too long will eventually cause the adjacent teeth to shift to close the gap. This hurts your overall oral health because the gap between teeth makes room for plaque and calculus and, eventually,
gum disease. Placing a dental bridge in place of missing teeth, therefore, encourages good overall oral health.
Additionally, a dental bridge restores the natural appeal of your smile, which is otherwise compromised if you have missing teeth. You can chew and speak naturally once the bridge is in place. Get your dental bridge done by visiting us. Call Medhat Dental Excellence at (773) 774-4611 to schedule an appointment.