The Importance of Dental Bridges
Missing teeth can affect more than just your appearance – they can also impact the health of your remaining teeth and your bite alignment. At Able Family Dental, we provide custom dental bridges to restore your smile and maintain your oral health. Our bridges are designed to be durable and natural-looking, ensuring you can enjoy both function and aesthetics.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth to the adjacent natural teeth. Dental bridges help prevent teeth from drifting into empty spaces and causing bite issues, while also restoring your ability to chew and speak properly.
Types of Dental Bridges Available:
At Able Family Dental, we offer several types of dental bridges to meet your individual needs:
- Traditional Bridge: A false tooth is supported by crowns placed on the adjacent teeth. This is the most common type of dental bridge.
- Maryland Bonded Bridge: Uses metal or porcelain wings to bond the false tooth to the back of the adjacent teeth. This option requires minimal preparation.
- Cantilever Bridge: Used when only one adjacent tooth is available to support the false tooth. This is ideal for specific cases but not recommended for high-stress areas like molars.
Porcelain Dental Bridges
For patients seeking a more natural-looking option, porcelain dental bridges offer an excellent solution. Made from high-quality ceramic material, porcelain bridges blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. These bridges are durable, stain-resistant, and perfect for restoring teeth at the front of your mouth.
Benefits of Porcelain Bridges:
- Natural Appearance: Porcelain bridges are designed to match the shade and texture of your surrounding teeth, creating a visually appealing restoration.
- Durability: Despite their beauty, porcelain bridges are strong and long-lasting, providing reliable function for years.
- Stain Resistance: Porcelain bridges are resistant to common staining agents like coffee, tea, and red wine.
The Bridge Treatment Process
Once we determine the best bridge option for you, our team will guide you through the treatment process. This involves preparing the anchor teeth, taking impressions for a custom fit, and placing a temporary bridge while your permanent one is crafted. At your follow-up appointment, the permanent bridge is cemented, completing your smile restoration.
Caring for Your Bridge
Proper care for your bridge is essential to ensure its longevity. Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods, practice good oral hygiene, and visit us regularly for dental checkups to maintain the health of your surrounding teeth and gums.
Questions about our dental bridge procedure? We’re only a phone call away – 403-327-7202!