Replacing Missing Teeth with Dental Bridges
Tooth loss doesn’t necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth, they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, at Midtown Dentistry in Houston, Tx, you’ll find multiple options for correcting tooth loss, including implants, bridges and removable partial dentures.
A dental bridge is a device used to replace missing teeth that attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Your dentist can either create a bridge that is removable or permanently attached (fixed bridges).
Deciding Between Removable and Fixed Bridges
Removable bridges are attached to the teeth by precision attachments or with metal clasps. Removable bridges can be taken out and cleaned. However, fixed bridges offer more stability than removable bridges.
Your Midtown Dentistry dentist in Houston will apply fixed bridges by either bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth or by placing dental crowns on the abutment teeth. Fixed dental bridges can only be removed by a dental professional such as your dentist.
Reasons Why Dental Bridges are Necessary
Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other and a number of potentially harmful disorders can be caused by placing stress on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing.
The increased risk of gum disease is one of the worst side effects of missing teeth. By simply installing a bridge the risk can be minimized.
Appearance and oral functionality are also important reasons for wearing a bridge. For example, the loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older. A dental bridge will help support your lips and cheeks.
Another important reason for getting a bridge would be to prevent speech disorders that missing teeth can cause. Teeth are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.
How is a dental bridge attached?
The bridge attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment your Houston dentist will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.
As the dental bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. A dental crown is cemented onto the natural teeth to provide support for the bridge.
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metal.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.