More About Dental Bridges
Mason, OH
 Dental bridges are artificial teeth that substitute lost teeth. They are manufactured of different materials such as alloy and gold, but most are made of porcelain to match your natural tooth color. Your teeth will look and function better with a dental bridge. As a result, you will be able to speak more clearly and chew your food more efficiently. For more information about bridges, visit Frankart Family Dental.
Who Needs Bridges?
The majority of patients who have missing teeth benefit from dental bridges. Tooth loss is caused by a variety of factors, including gum disease, tooth decay, trauma, and congenital issues. Bridges are used to fill the gaps between teeth. Only healthy teeth can support a dental bridge on both sides of the gap.
Advantages of Dental Bridges
Lost teeth can put your general health at risk, and dental bridges help solve some of these problems. For instance, a bridge can help you regain the chewing ability that you had previously lost. A dental bridge corrects your voice and pronunciation by adjusting to the shape of your face. In addition, a bridge prevents the existing teeth from shifting and ensures they are well aligned. The most important benefit of a dental bridge is that it restores your smile, enhancing your self-esteem.
Types of Dental Bridges
Bridges are available in four types: traditional fixed bridges, Maryland dental bridges, implant-supported bridges, and cantilever bridges. The most common bridge type is the traditional fixed bridge. These bridges are manufactured using various materials like ceramics, metals, and porcelain fused.
Maryland bridges are typically used to replace missing front teeth. They use porcelain or metal framework attached to your teeth rather than crowns on the abutment teeth like is the case with traditional bridges.
On the other hand, implant-supported bridges rely on implants instead of using frameworks or dental crowns. Each missing tooth is replaced with an implant that holds the bridge in place.
Cantilever bridges have pontics that are kept in place by crowns cemented to one side of the remaining tooth.
How to Take Care of Your Dental Bridges
Though bridges are durable, they are not as long-lasting as dentures. However, dental bridges can survive for over 10 years with proper maintenance and care. Bridges are anticipated to become more durable in the future as technology and materials improve. Brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis will extend the life of your bridge. The dentist will show you how to care for your new bridge by cleaning it and flossing it.
In addition, you should consider your diet as this will determine the durability of your bridge. Ensure you avoid consuming sticky foods and candies, nuts, popcorn, and other hard foods that can damage your bridge or abutment tooth. Visit Frankart Family Dental to get more tips on how to care for your bridges. Call us today at (513) 809-1366. |
