You may suffer from tooth loss due to several reasons, like caries, trauma, or gum disease. Losing teeth can be distressing since it can negatively affect your masticatory function and aesthetics. This can be effectively restored through dental bridges.
The dental care in Grand Haven offers a comprehensive approach towards oral rehabilitation through dental bridges that permanently restore your lost teeth.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a dental appliance or prosthesis that replaces missing teeth. They can replace either a single tooth or a row of missing teeth. This appliance bridges the gap in your smile.
A bridge consists of the following parts:
- Abutment: The part that supports your dental bridge, which is the natural teeth present adjacent to the edentulous space.
- Pontic: These are artificial or false teeth that fill in the gap left behind by missing teeth.
A fixed bridge is a type of dental bridge that is permanently fixed into the edentulous space by taking support and anchorage from the natural teeth present adjacent to the missing teeth. Most often, a fixed bridge is made up of porcelain that offers superior aesthetics.
When is a porcelain bridge indicated?
Dentists often recommend a porcelain fixed bridge to:
- Replace one or more missing teeth
- Maintain your facial shape and structure
- Prevent the drifting or displacement of the neighboring teeth
- Restore chewing and speaking ability
- Prevent resorption of the underlying alveolar bone
- Restore your smile and enhance your appearance
- Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.
What happens during a porcelain fixed bridge procedure?
Getting a porcelain fixed bridge involves the following steps.
- Evaluation of your oral cavity and preparation of the abutment teeth by removing a portion of the enamel to allow space for the crown.
- Recording highly accurate full-mouth impressions (mold) and transferring them to the lab for fabrication of the bridge.
- Selecting a suitable shade that can match your natural teeth.
- Provide a temporary bridge until you get your fixed porcelain bridge.
- Placing your permanent bridge using appropriate dental cement during your next visit. The fit and bite will be evaluated for better comfort.
Bottom line
Missing teeth can leave an unappealing gap in your smile and hinder your ability to chew and speak properly. If you are missing one to a few teeth in a row, then a porcelain fixed bridge could be the best option for you. Brides are typically more effective and comfortable than dentures and more affordable than dental implants.
