When you lose a tooth or several teeth and require a teeth replacement procedure, your dentist near you may recommend a dental bridge. A dental bridge is a dental appliance that is used to fill the gap created by missing teeth.
A dental bridge is made up of an artificial tooth held in place by teeth surrounding the gap created by your missing tooth. The dental bridge fills the gap and restores the appearance and functionality of your smile. At Wetaskiwin Family Dental, we offer patients dental bridges in Wetaskiwin to help them get back their beautiful smiles. Read more to learn about this restorative dentistry procedure.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are four main types of dental bridges near you:
Traditional dental bridges: Traditional dental bridges are the most popular type of dental bridge. It consists of one false tooth secured to the surrounding teeth on either side of the gap created by the missing tooth using dental crowns. When you get this type of dental bridge, your dentist will file and reshape your two teeth surrounding the gap so that the bridge can fit over them.
Implant-supported bridges: These bridges are secured in the mouth using dental implants rather than dental crowns. These bridges are most often used to restore back teeth and are ideal for individuals who have more than two teeth missing.
Maryland dental bridges: These dental bridges consist of one artificial tooth supported in the mouth by metal frameworks. Typically, these are used to replace incisors. Compared to other dental bridges, Maryland dental bridges are more conservative because they don’t require your dentist in Wetaskiwin to remove any of the enamel in your surrounding teeth. Since Maryland bridges can easily shift or become loose, they are not often used to replace missing molars.
Cantilever bridges: These are very similar to traditional dental bridges, except that cantilever bridges use only one tooth as an abutment rather than two.
Getting Dental Bridges
When you visit Wetaskiwin Family Dental for a dental bridge, our dentist will begin by assessing your condition to determine if dental bridges are the best option for you. Dental bridges are not the best option in some cases, and dental implants or crowns may be better suited to your needs. To gain deeper insight into your situation, our dentist will perform a visual examination of your mouth and take x-rays of your jaw. If it is found that you are a good candidate for dental bridges, our dentist will discuss your possible options. This discussion will include a recommendation for the best type of dental bridge that suits your needs, including its cost, design, advantages, and disadvantages.
The procedure for getting a dental bridge is completed in two dental visits. At the first visit, our dentist will prepare your teeth and take impressions to create your custom bridge. At your second visit, your teeth will be disinfected, and your dental bridge will be placed securely in your mouth, restoring your smile.
Healing After A Dental Bridge Procedure
Those who get dental bridges should be sure to maintain an excellent oral care routine of brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. It would be best if you also visited Wetaskiwin Family Dental at least once every six months for professional dental cleanings and checkups.
Visit Wetaskiwin Family Dental
If you have a missing tooth or teeth and are interested in learning more about dental bridges, please feel free to visit our team at Wetaskiwin Family Dental. Our team is happy to provide you with options for dental bridges so that you can get back the smile of your dreams. Please contact us to book a consultation today!