Dental bridges in Taylorsville are an important restorative treatment option for missing teeth. They replace one or more missing teeth and anchor to the adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. This not only restores the appearance of your smile but also helps maintain proper bite alignment, prevent jaw pain, and improve your oral health.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges, also known as fixed dental prostheses, are artificial teeth that we can use to bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They have two main components – pontics (artificial teeth) and abutment teeth (natural teeth or implants). The pontics fill in the space left by the missing tooth while the abutment teeth act as support and are prepared to hold the bridge in place.
Types of Dental Bridges
- Traditional Bridges – This is the most common type of dental bridge that consists of one or more pontics held in place by dental crowns on either side. The crowns are cemented onto the natural teeth or dental implants adjacent to the gap, providing a stable foundation for the bridge.
- Cantilever Bridges – We can use this type of bridge when only one natural tooth is adjacent to the gap. The pontic is anchored to the natural tooth, providing support on one side.
- Maryland Bridges – Also known as resin-bonded bridges, these are made of porcelain or ceramic teeth fused to a metal framework and bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth. They are a conservative option as they require very little preparation of the adjacent teeth.
- Implant-supported Bridges – These bridges are supported by dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone. This is a more stable and long-lasting option than traditional bridges but requires a healthy and strong jawbone for successful placement.
Procedure
Getting a dental bridge usually requires two or more visits to our office.
The first step involves preparing the abutment teeth by removing a small portion of the enamel from the surrounding teeth to make room for the crowns. If we use dental implants, we surgically place them in the jawbone and allow them to heal before proceeding with the bridge placement.
Once we prepare the abutment teeth, we take impressions of your teeth to create a model for the dental lab to create your custom bridge.
To protect your exposed teeth and gums while waiting for the permanent bridge, we can place a temporary bridge made from acrylic material and hold it in place with temporary cement.
When your custom bridge is ready, you will return to our office for the final fitting and placement. Before permanently bonding, we’ll check the bridge for proper fit and perform any necessary adjustments.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges not only fill in the gap created by missing teeth, but they also restore the appearance of your smile. The pontics are custom-made to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth, giving you a beautiful and confident smile.
Missing teeth can lead to various oral health issues such as shifting of adjacent teeth, bone loss, and increased risk for gum disease. Dental bridges help prevent these issues by keeping your remaining teeth in place and maintaining proper bite alignment.
Eating and speaking correctly can be challenging when missing teeth. Dental bridges restore the functionality of your mouth, making it easier to chew and speak without any hindrance.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance are essential for the longevity of your dental bridge. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash to prevent plaque buildup around the bridge.
- Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage the bridge or cause it to come loose.
- Visit our office regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings to ensure the bridge is in good condition.
Dental Bridges in Taylorsville
In conclusion, dental bridges are a reliable and effective solution for restoring missing teeth, improving oral health, and giving you back your confident smile. Dr. Curtis S. Condie, Dr. Luke J. Rudelich, Dr. Carson Baltazar, and their experienced team at Southwest Dental are here to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile with our high-quality dental bridge treatments.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation! We also offer dental crowns and dentures in Taylorsville, Utah.
