A dental bridge is an option in cosmetic dentistry for filling the gap left by a missing or extracted tooth. Missing teeth can have remarkable consequences on oral health: The bone around the area starts to shrink and the remaining teeth can start to move, messing up a dental alignment. With the help of a general dentist with experience in cosmetic dentistry, patients can get dental bridges for tooth replacement and restore the appearance of their smile.
The dental bridge can be supported using nearby natural teeth, dental implants or a combination of the two. If natural teeth are used to hold the bridgework in place, a dental crown is placed over those teeth to provide better support and stability. A dental bridge may need up to three dental crowns: Two will cover existing teeth and are called abutment teeth. The last crown is the replacement tooth that occupies the gap and is called the pontic. If multiple teeth are missing, more crowns will be required to fill the gap between the two abutment teeth.
The number of abutment teeth required for tooth replacement depends on the number of lost teeth, the size and length of tooth roots and the level of bone density, as well as the location of the missing teeth on the jaw. For instance, if a patient has three missing teeth, about four abutment teeth may be required to keep it steady.
To create the bridge, the dentist will take impressions of the patient’s smile and forward them to the dental lab. After production is complete, they will make any needed adjustments to make the bridge secure and comfortable. The new bridge will be customized to match the color of existing teeth to make the final restoration cosmetically appealing.
Removable dental bridge: A removable dental bridge may be effective as a temporary solution for preserving tooth position while getting ready for a fixed dental bridge or dental implant. Most dentists do not suggest removable dental bridges for use over the long term because they are not excellent in terms of aesthetics, function or oral health.
Fixed dental bridge: Also known as a partial denture, a fixed dental bridge is a tooth prosthesis that is held by the teeth on either side of the space with an anchor. The more missing teeth, the more healthy teeth are required for support. The drawback of this option is that it puts pressure on the natural teeth. If the nearby teeth are healthy, this dental bridge may cause undue stress, causing cavity formation or premature deterioration.
Implant-supported dental bridges: The dentist can also recommend getting a fixed dental bridge supported by dental implants for a natural-looking tooth replacement. Dental implants generally have a high success rate and provide more stability. The general dentist will recommend them for the dental bridge if more than two teeth are missing. Implants have the added advantage of preventing bone and gum recession commonly associated with regular bridges and dentures.
A dental bridge is a cosmetic dentistry option that “bridges” the gap between teeth. It consists of prosthetic teeth held together with support from an anchor attached to the teeth on both sides of the gap. To get started, book an appointment for a consultation.
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