Walk into the New Year with a Beautiful Smile After Getting Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a series of dental crowns supported by one or more false teeth that fill in the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They span the gap in the mouth, leaving healthy teeth on either side untouched. The crowns fit over the natural teeth, holding the false teeth in place and allowing them to function just like a natural tooth would. They can even help correct some bite issues and prevent teeth from shifting out of place.

How Does a Dental Bridge Work?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth that replaces missing teeth. The bridge contains two dental crowns on either end, which are bonded to an artificial tooth in the middle called a pontic. The crowns are placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap created by the missing tooth. These anchor the bridge into place and hold it in place.

The two crowns are custom-made in a dental lab to match the color of your other teeth. That way, your smile will look completely natural, and no one will be able to tell that you have a bridge in your mouth!

The artificial tooth used in the middle of the bridge is called a pontic. It is supported by a dental implant or by two surrounding teeth on either side. This helps keep the bridge securely in place and prevents it from shifting around too much when you're chewing.

Once in place, you can care for your new dental bridge the same way you care for your natural teeth. You should brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day. Visit our office at least twice a year for your regular checkups and professional cleanings.

Don't forget to come to see us as soon as possible after you lose a tooth so we can help you determine if getting a dental bridge is the best option for you. Otherwise, the gap can cause your teeth to shift around and even lead to bone loss in your jaw!

What Process is Involved in Getting a Dental Bridge?

Getting a dental bridge requires two separate appointments. At the first appointment, your cosmetic dentist will prepare the teeth that will be supporting the bridge by removing a small amount of enamel from each tooth. Once this is done, they will take impressions of your teeth to send to a lab where the bridge will be manufactured. Before you leave your first appointment, your dentist will give you a temporary bridge to wear until your next visit. Wearing the temporary bridge will help the gums heal properly. It will also help to ensure you don't have any speech difficulties while your permanent bridge is being crafted in the lab.

Your second appointment will take place when your permanent bridge is ready. During this visit, any final adjustments will be made to your new bridge to ensure it fits comfortably in your mouth and looks as natural as possible. Once it is properly fitted, it will be bonded into place using a strong bonding material. After that, you'll be able to leave the office with a beautiful new smile!

If you haven't since your dentist recently, or if you wish to learn more about dental bridges, call us at (832) 532-7120 and schedule an appointment with us.