Apart from causing aesthetic problems, missing teeth can also adversely affect one’s oral and overall health. For example, if you fail to find a suitable tooth replacement option, your remaining teeth can shift, leading to other problems including a weak bite, jaw pain, and misalignment.

One tooth replacement option that your Livonia MI Dentist may recommend is a dental bridge.

As its name implies, a dental bridge literally bridges the gap between two teeth. According to a dental bridge dentist, this tooth replacement option is installed between two anchoring or abutment teeth with a false tooth or teeth acting as the bridge. This bridge may be made out of porcelain, gold, alloys, or a combination of these.

Why replace missing teeth with a dental bridge

A dental bridge can solve cosmetic problems caused by missing teeth. Furthermore, this tooth replacement option allows you to regain your normal ability to speak and chew food properly. By replacing your missing teeth, you can now bite properly and avoid the problems associated with having missing teeth.

Dental bridges come in three types. The traditional dental bridge entails the fabrication of a crown for the teeth which will serve as the anchors. This type of bridge may be fabricated using ceramics or porcelain that has been fused with metal.

A cantilever bridge, on the other hand, is recommended when a patient needs to replace a single tooth.

Resin-bonded bridges, also known as Maryland bonded bridges, are fabricated using plastics and metals. The metal part of the bridge is bonded to the remaining teeth.

The installation process begins with the preparation of the crowns for the abutment teeth. The teeth will be re-contoured by removing portions of the enamel. This will ensure that the crown will fit the abutment teeth.

Afterwards, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth. These impressions will be used for the creation of a model which, in turn, will be used for the fabrication of the different parts of the dental bridge in the laboratory.

While you are waiting for your dental bridge to be completed, you will be asked to wear a temporary bridge.

On your next visit, your dentist will install your new dental bridge. During this visit, your dentist will check the fit of the bridge and make the necessary adjustments.

The ideal candidate for dental bridges is one with one to three consecutive teeth missing. You should also be in good health and must not have gum disease. In order to be deemed a good candidate, you should have enough jawbone density and healthy teeth. If you do not have enough jawbone density, your dentist will recommend an implant-supported bridge which requires undergoing a bone grafting procedure. If you have gum disease, your dentist must treat this problem first before installing the dental bridge. So call us today to set up your appointment!