Have you recently experienced tooth loss and you are trying to find the right way to replace it? We know that having a gap between your teeth can be annoying and make you feel less self-confident, but we have the right solution for you; dental bridges. In this blog post, we will help you understand what dental bridges are, how they work, the procedure, its benefits, and how to take care of them.
Keep reading to find out more about this procedure and how our specialists here at Dr. Roland Zhuka’s clinic will help you have the perfect smile.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Firstly we will start by explaining what dental bridges are. They are custom artificial teeth that are designed to fill the gap that a missing tooth has caused.
Dental bridges can be composed of different materials including porcelain or ceramic, and due to their ability to match the teeth perfectly, they will blend perfectly with the other teeth nearby.
The bridge will be composed of two main parts including the artificial teeth also known as the pontics and dental crowns known as the abutments. Once they are placed they cannot be removed by the patient and they are highly durable.
Types Of Dental Bridges: Which One Is Right For You?
Dental bridges come in different types depending on the number of teeth missing, the condition of the adjacent teeth, and what the patient desires. However, they all work great in restoring your smile.
Cantilever bridges can be used when neighboring teeth are present on just one side of the gap, but traditional bridges are the most popular type of dental bridge. Maryland bridges, on the other hand, use a framework made of porcelain or metal that is glued to the back of nearby teeth.
Traditional Bridges
The most common types of dental bridges are traditional ones. They will be held in place by dental crowns and will be supported by adjacent teeth.
The procedure will be completed in two separate dental appointments. In order to keep traditional bridges in place and healthy for a long time it is important to maintain a healthy oral routine by brushing and flossing them as you do with your natural teeth.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are another common type of dental bridge. Different from traditional bridges they are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing teeth area.
Cantilever bridges are less used than traditional bridges, although in certain cases, they might be a better choice. The stability and strength of the supporting teeth are critical to the success of these dental bridges.
Maryland Bridges
Maryland bridges on the other hand are composed of a metal or porcelain framework and they are bonded to the back of the nearby teeth. This type of bridge will not need dental crowns because the framework will hold it in place.
Compared to other types of dental bridges, they are the less invasive option, and the structure of the teeth nearby will be less impacted. To avoid irritation or detachment of the Maryland bridge it is important to properly take care of your teeth.
How Do Dental Bridges Work?
The main purpose of dental bridges is to improve a person’s smile by filling the gaps created by missing teeth. This treatment is a great way for those who are not ready for dental implants and want a better option than dentures.
They are composed of two main parts, the crowns that will be placed on the nearest teeth and the pontic which is the artificial teeth used to close the gap.
The Dental Bridge Procedure: What To Expect
Assessment
When it comes to dental restorative treatments the first step will be the dental assessment. Your dentist in Albania will need to decide which procedure is best for replacing missing teeth based on your condition.
Besides dental bridges, dental implants, and crowns can be utilized in some specific cases and will be more effective. In order to find the best option among these three, the dentist will need to perform X-rays and examine the area closely.
After a thorough examination, they will present you with the available options and advise you on the one that best suits your needs and goals. They will also explain the steps involved, including the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment.
First Visit: Preparing The Teeth And Placing The Temporary Bridge
The abutment teeth, or healthy teeth on each side of the gap, make up the support system for most dental bridges. These teeth need to be shaped for the fitting in order to be ready for the implantation of the dental bridge. The whole process will be done under the effect of local anesthesia so the patient won’t feel any pain or discomfort.
In order to place the bridge, the abutment teeth must first be filed into the proper form. After that, molds of the shaped teeth are created and sent to a dental lab so that the bridge can be built.
For cosmetic reasons, it is best to match the prostheses’ color as nearly as possible to the neighboring natural teeth; therefore, a sample color should be provided by the dental clinic.
If the teeth on each side of the gap are not strong enough to hold the bridge on their own, a dental implant may be required in some circumstances to secure the bridge.
In some cases, the dentist may provide for the client with a temporary dental bridge made of filling material. This way the shaped tooth will be protected from damage. Once the permanent bridge is ready the temporary one will be removed.
Second Visit: The Placement Of The Dental Bridge
Once the permanent bridge is ready you will be called back to the dental clinic to have it placed. In order for the patient to be as comfortable as possible the dentist will use local anesthesia at the beginning of the treatment.
The temporary dental bridge needs to be taken out, and the teeth underneath it will need to be cleaned before the permanent one is fitted. After that, the dental bridge can be secured to the abutment teeth using dental cement.
After the cement hardens you will be able to see the results. Once the anesthesia wears off you can continue using the teeth as normal. However, we recommend our patients start with soft foods until they get used to this new adjustment.
Follow Up Appointments
After the dental bridge procedure, it is important to take good care of your teeth. If you have any questions our dentists here at Dr. Rolad Zhuka’s clinic will be ready to help you and explain how to keep the new dental bridge healthy.
Our dentists will spend the right time going over the specifics of the dental bridge, such as the required oral hygiene and when will it be necessary to consult a dentist. Your dental bridge will last more than ten years if you properly take care of it.
Benefits Of Dental Bridges: Why They’re A Great Solution
Dental bridges are one of the best ways to replace missing teeth. Besides this, they offer numerous benefits regarding oral health.
One of the main benefits of this dental restorative treatment is restoring the functionality of the teeth. If you have one or several missing teeth you won’t be able to eat or speak as you normally would. After the procedure is done this won’t be an issue anymore.
Besides functionality, dental bridges will also offer cosmetic advantages. Once the procedure is done you will have a full set of teeth without any unwanted gaps. This will make you feel more confident while speaking or smiling at social events.
Maintaining the correct alignment of your teeth with the help of dental bridges also helps to avoid potential tooth loss. If there is a gap in your mouth, the teeth will shift in an attempt to close it. If this happens, your biting pattern will change, leading to more serious issues that may need to be addressed with orthodontic treatment.
Additionally, because dental bridges fill in any spaces created by missing teeth, they support the whole mouth structure. This prevents uneven wear on the remaining natural teeth and avoids pressure on the jawbone.
This being said, in addition to improving function and appearance, dental bridges not only assist patients regain their smiles but also preserve oral health.
Potential Risks And Downsides Of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges, like any other dental procedure, have their own set of risks. However potential risks will be rare and minimal when compared to the benefits that the procedure provides.
Potential risks include:
- Nearby teeth can be damaged or weakened during the first stages of the treatment.
- Certain materials can cause allergic reactions in patients.
- Potential nerve damage of the nearby teeth.
- Infection on the treated area during the placement.
Although possible these complications are very low and they can be minimized even more if you choose the right dental clinic and dentist. At Dr. Roland Zhuka’s clinic, we prioritize the health of our patients throughout every step of the treatment and take the right measurements to avoid any potential risks.
It’s important that you express to your dentist in Albania any worries you may have prior to the treatment about possible risks so they can appropriately handle them. When given proper treatment and attention by the dentist, the majority of patients have good dental bridge results without severe side effects or issues.
Dental Bridge Vs. Implants: Which Is The Right Choice?
Both dental bridges and dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth, but which will be the right choice for you? When deciding between these two options consider these important factors:
Before deciding between dental implants or dental bridges your dentist will do a thorough examination of your mouth. If you have sufficient jaw bone to keep the implant, this will be the right treatment for you. If you dont, then most likely dental bridges will be recommended.
When it comes to the cost of both procedures dental implants will be more expensive than bridges. However considering it long term, bridges will need to be replaced again in the future while implants last longer.
When it comes to aesthetics, both bridges and implants provide natural-looking results. At Dr. Roland Zhuka’s clinic, our professionals will design your new teeth to fit perfectly in your mouth, so you don’t need to worry about it.
If you are looking for a quicker procedure that provides faster results, you should opt for dental bridges. While dental implants require a 3-month waiting period between sessions, bridges can be completed in just two sessions with a 3-4 day waiting period.
When it comes to choosing the best option between dental implants and dental bridges it is important to consult with your dentist. Based on your needs and goals they will recommend you the right treatment. Your purpose is to find a treatment that will provide both functionality and pleasing aesthetic results.
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental bridges and implants are the two most popular treatments. Each one of them has its own pros and cons that will need to be considered.
Bridges provide a less invasive, faster, and perhaps more affordable replacement, but implants guarantee strength, a natural feel, and the maintenance of the health of the jawbone for many years to come.
There is no right choice when comparing these two restorative treatments since the choice will be personal depending on several factors like the patient’s needs, how much they are willing to spend, and their lifestyle.
Factors That Affect The Longevity Of Dental Bridges
Factors like the materials used to compose the bridge, the location where the tooth is missing, and the maintenance of the bridge will all affect how much the dental bridge will last. Their typical life span will be 5 to 15 years or even longer if the patient is careful.
With an average lifespan of around 5 to 7 years, porcelain and ceramic bridges typically have a shorter lifespan than gold and metal alloy bridges. On the other hand, bridges made of gold and metal alloys may last up to 15 years or more with the right care.
Tips On How To Take Care Of Your Dental Bridges
Taking good care of your dental bridges is a must but you might wonder which is the right way to do it. Consider these tips if you are thinking of replacing missing teeth with dental bridges or if you already have them on:
Brush And Floss Regularly
Flossing and brushing at least twice a day are a must when taking care of your teeth. Constant maintenance will help you avoid gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral issues that can compromise your oral health.
Avoid Hard, Sticky, Or Chewy Foods
Hard, sticky, or foods that require a lot of chewing are recommended to be avoided if you have dental bridges. This is due to the fact that they can apply a lot of pressure to the appliance and eventually cause it to chip or even break.
We recommend that our patients be careful while eating and stick to a soft diet or cut the food into smaller bites.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Whether you have dental bridges or not, regular visits to the dental clinic are essential. Visit your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and to ensure your teeth remain healthy.
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