All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing, and maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn’t necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth, they must be replaced to maintain proper mouth function. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss with restorative dental treatments like dental bridges.
Dental Bridge Treatment in Plano, TX
A dental bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Dental bridges in our Plano, TX office are either permanently attached (fixed bridges) or they can be removable.
Fixed bridges are applied by placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may know their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions, from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it isn’t easy to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.
What exactly is a dental bridge or fixed partial denture?
A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device that fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.
Why do I need a dental bridge?
Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. Losing a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.
Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing several potentially harmful disorders.
Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge. Missing teeth can cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.
How is a dental bridge attached?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment, we will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.
Since the bridge must be fabricated precisely to ensure the correct bite and match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Dental crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
What materials are used for dental bridges?
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metal.
How do I take care of my dental bridge?
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is critical as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.
Ready to Improve Your Smile?
Receive a dental bridge in Plano, TX, today. Request a dental appointment with us or call Texas Dental at 972-636-4522.