A General Overview of Dental Bridges Treatment

Losing a tooth or more is a serious dental problem that should be addressed within the shortest time. If it does not affect your smile directly, it will affect it indirectly by affecting the alignment. Also, losing your teeth affects your speech, bite, and structure of your face.

Luckily, there are various ways of replacing the missing teeth. One of the most common ones is dental bridges. In this blog, we will discuss the procedure in detail to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a teeth replacement material used to bridge a gap left by one or more missing teeth. Bridges are made of other materials such as gold, porcelain, ceramic, resin and metal alloys. The implant is supported by the surrounding healthy natural teeth. However, if you don’t have enough natural teeth, dental implants can be used.

Uses of Dental Bridges

Typically, a dental implant can be used as a cosmetic or restorative procedure. As a restorative procedure, it will restore your bite, speech, and facial structure. As a cosmetic procedure, it restores and maintains your beautiful smile. Here are a few instances you might need a bridge:

• Replacing a worn-down tooth by decay
• If your teeth are damaged beyond repair after getting involved in an accident
• If gum disease has affected your tooth to the point where a root canal treatment cannot save it

Types of Dental Bridges

Here are the four main types of this restorative procedure.

Traditional Bridges

Typically, traditional bridges are the most common in most dental clinics. The procedure involves the use of abutments to act as anchors between the natural teeth and the bridges. Traditional braces are available in two types. You can choose between traditional removable and fixed bridges.

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges are pretty much like traditional braces functionality-wise, but they are different in terms of installation. A bridge requires support from the two teeth where the gap is, but a cantilever bridge requires only one. Its procedure is also easier and less invasive than the traditional bridge. This means it poses less risk of weakening your natural teeth.

Maryland Bridges

Maryland bridges should be the option for anyone looking for a bridge that will not weaken their natural teeth. It is more conservative since it is attached to the back of your natural teeth, but it is not as stable as a cantilever or traditional bridge.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges come with added stability and durability from the dental implant. However, it is relatively more expensive, so keep that in mind when settling for the type.

Why Choose Bridges

Bridges have become quite popular, and it is because of the many advantages that come with the treatment. These advantages include:

• A comfortable option that will restore your bite
• The dental bridge procedure is easy and fast. Typically, it will take three visits to the dentist at most.
• Maintains the shape of your face, just like natural teeth would.
• Relatively affordable compared to dental implants.
• Bridges can last for a long time if you take proper care of yours.
• Restores your smile since it looks pretty much like your natural teeth. Dental bridges for front teeth are available if you are missing front teeth.

Do Bridges Have Downsides?

Yes, no treatment is perfect. Some of the bridge downsides include:

• Bridges are susceptible to breaks.
• Discomfort for the first few days.
• Tooth decay may still occur underneath the bridge.

Taking Care of Your Dental Bridges

Caring for bridges is pretty much like caring for natural teeth. You won’t need to purchase any special cleaning chemicals like you have to with dentures, and you won’t need to avoid any foods. Here are a few tips to help you care for your bridges:

• Maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing every night before sleeping.
• Don’t use your bridges to bite pens, nails, pencils, open bottle tops, or crush ice.
• Visit your dentist every six months for exams, cleanings, and any necessary adjustments.
• Avoid smoking or taking know staining foods in plenty.

Dentist in Caledon, ON

If you are looking for dental bridges in Caledon, ON, you are in the right place. At Kennedy North Dentistry, our services are patient-centred, and you can count on us for cosmetic and restorative dental care. Book an appointment today.