How Dental Bridges Can Restore Your Smile and Oral Health

If you have one or more missing or decayed teeth, you might feel self-conscious about your smile and have trouble with everyday activities like speaking and eating. You may also experience pain or discomfort when you chew certain foods. You don’t have to live with this problem. You can get restorative dental procedures like dentures or dental bridges to replace your missing or damaged teeth. This blog will tell you what dental bridges are and how they can help you.

What are dental bridges?

A dental bridge, or fixed denture, is a dental device with one or more artificial teeth. The artificial teeth fill the spaces where you have missing teeth. You cannot take out dental bridges like overdentures. They are fixed to your other teeth or jaw. You need to have healthy gums and teeth to get a bridge.

The artificial teeth in a bridge look like your natural teeth. They have the same size, shape, and color. These artificial teeth are called pontics. They are held by dental crowns or frameworks connected to your other healthy teeth (abutments) or dental implants.

Dental Bridge Procedure

If you are thinking about getting dental bridges in Torrance, CA, the first step is to make an appointment with our dentist. The dentist will observe your oral health and goals to see if you can get the procedure. You can also choose other treatments like dental implants or dentures if you want.

If you can get the procedure, the dentist near you will take some pictures or scans of your teeth or mouth to make the parts of your bridge. The procedure for getting a bridge will depend on the type of bridge you will get.

Here are the three most common types of bridges and how they are done:

Traditional or Cantilever Bridges

Traditional and Cantilever are the most common types of bridges. Traditional bridges have one or more artificial teeth held by dental crowns attached to your other teeth on both sides of the space. In a Cantilever bridge, the artificial tooth or teeth are held by a dental crown attached to one tooth on one side of the space.

Getting a traditional or Cantilever bridge near you usually takes about two dental visits. The steps are:

• The dentist will provide you with a local anesthetic to numb your gums and prevent pain during the procedure.
• Then, the dentist will prepare the abutment tooth or teeth by removing a small part of their enamel. It is important to make enough space for a crown to fit well.
• The dentist will take pictures or scans of your teeth and other records and send them to a dental lab to make the custom bridge.
• The dentist will make and put a temporary bridge or crown to preserve the prepared teeth.
• They will take out the temporary bridge or restoration on the second visit. The custom bridge will be checked for a good bite and fit. If needed, the dentist will make changes.
• If everything is good, the bridge will be fixed in place.

Maryland bridges

A Maryland bridge has one or more artificial teeth held by frameworks attached to the back of your other teeth. The pictures or scans of the teeth are taken and sent to a dental lab. When the bridge is put in, the abutment teeth only need a little etching on the back to help the bridge wings stick well. Once the bridge is checked for a good bite and fit, it will be fixed.

Implant-supported bridges

As the name suggests, dental implants hold these bridges, not your natural teeth. The dentist will use surgery to put dental implants in your jawbone. The jawbone must heal and join with the implant before a bridge is put in. It can take about 3 – 6 months. The cosmetic dentist in Torrance will make a temporary bridge for you to wear until the implant heals. After the implants have healed, the dentist will put in the bridge. While implant-supported bridges take longer to put in, they are very stable, strong, natural-looking, and long-lasting.

Dental Bridges Aftercare

With conventional care and maintenance, your dental bridge can last 10 – 15 years. Use these tips to care for your mouth and bridge:

Brush and floss every day.

• Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush.
• Avoid rough dental products.
• Make regular dental checkups and cleanings.
• Eat well and drink water.
• Avoid hard, chewy, crunchy, and sour foods and drinks.
• Avoid tobacco.
• Tell your dentist right away if your bridge is broken, loose, or uncomfortable.

Are you interested in Dental bridges in Torrance, CA?

Do you want to improve your smile and oral health with dental bridges? Contact Sparkle Family Dentistry to make your consultation today. We are a friendly and professional dental practice that cares about your needs and goals. We will help you choose the best type of bridge for your situation and guide you through the whole process. We look forward to seeing you soon and giving you a reason to smile.