Understanding Dental Bridges: Restoring Your Smile and Bite

Dental bridges are used to fill the gap created by missing teeth, restoring the patient’s smile and preventing bite problems. These restorations also improve the patient’s chewing and speech abilities.

Patients can choose between traditional fixed bridges and implant-supported dental bridges Oakhurst NJ. While both offer similar benefits, each has its own unique advantages over the other.

Cost

The cost of a dental bridge depends on several factors, including the material used and the fabrication process. For example, zirconia bridges are more expensive than PFM bridges. Aesthetic materials like porcelain also add to the cost. Your dentist may recommend alternative materials to help you save money.

The location and experience of your dentist can also affect the cost of dental bridges Oakhurst NJ. For instance, highly-trained dentists with offices in large cities usually charge more for their services.

Traditional dental bridges use the healthy teeth on either side of your missing tooth as anchors for a fake tooth (known as a pontic). The dentist prepares these teeth by removing some of their enamel, which can weaken them over time. You might need additional treatment, such as dental fillings or a root canal, to restore these teeth once the bridge is in place. A bridge can last up to 15 years with proper hygiene. Dental insurance usually covers a portion of the treatment costs.

Comfort

Dental bridges Oakhurst NJ can be a comfortable replacement for missing teeth. Although there may be some discomfort and sensitivity initially, it is usually mild and short-lived. A dentist will numb the area for any parts of the procedure that might be painful. Getting a bridge typically requires two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the provider prepares the teeth on either side of the gap to accommodate the crowns that will hold the artificial tooth in place. This involves reshaping the abutment teeth and removing some of their enamel.

This can cause discomfort or sensitivity, but it is necessary to ensure the dental bridge fits properly. Regular checkups and cleanings are also vital to preserving the comfort of the bridge. These visits will allow the dentist to catch and address issues like gum disease or loosening before they get out of hand. It is also important to avoid eating hard or sticky foods that can damage or dislodge the bridge.

Appearance

Using porcelain, dental bridges can be made to look almost like real teeth. We’ll match their colour and shape to your existing teeth so that they blend in. When properly cared for, they will last a lifetime.

Traditional bridges are held in place by abutment teeth on either side of the gap, which we’ll need to prepare by removing some of their enamel. Cantilever dental bridges use the same approach, but they’re typically used in the back of the mouth where bite forces are less, so that we don’t need to shape a lot of adjacent healthy teeth.

Dental implants are a more natural solution, but they require surgery and a period of recovery before we can put in the crowns that will anchor them. They also don’t have the advantage of filling the gap, so that your occlusion (bite) and facial structure remain intact. They can also be more expensive. But if you want the most realistic replacement for missing teeth, an implant-supported bridge is worth considering.

Maintenance

Dental bridges Oakhurst NJ can last for many years if you maintain good oral hygiene. You should brush twice a day, floss daily, and schedule regular cleanings with your dentist or hygienist. You should also avoid chewing hard foods and sticky candy. In addition, if you smoke, you should quit smoking as this increases your risk of gum disease and tooth decay that can compromise the lifespan of your dental bridge.

Dental implants and dental bridges offer a number of advantages over natural teeth, including improved appearance and resolving speech problems caused by missing teeth. The gap created by missing teeth can make it difficult to eat certain types of food or pronounce words correctly. A bridge fills the gap and helps restore a healthy bite, improves the appearance of your smile, and helps to prevent the sunk-in facial appearance that can occur when teeth are missing.

Regular visits to the Dentistry on Coolum team can help detect and treat early signs of dental problems, which can save you time and money in the long run. You should also regularly check your bridge for visible damage, like cracks or chips, and contact your dentist if you notice any symptoms of gum inflammation around the area of the bridge.