All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and in 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 function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.
Dental Bridge Options
A bridge is a device used to replace missing teeth where it attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges), or they can be removable.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it’s difficult 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 bridge or fixed partial denture?
Fixed bridges are applied by either 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 by precision attachments.
A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device which 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 bridge?
Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of 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 a number of 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 bridge attached?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment Drs. Dow and Fisher 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 very precisely to ensure correct bite and to 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. Crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
What materials are used?
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 bridge?
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.
Read MoreDental bridges offer various benefits in addition to restoring missing teeth:
- Improved chewing and speaking ability: Dental bridges help distribute chewing forces evenly, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of foods. They also support proper speech by filling in the gaps created by missing teeth.
- Preservation of facial structure: Missing teeth can lead to facial sagging and a prematurely aged appearance. Dental bridges help maintain the shape and volume of your face, enhancing your overall facial aesthetics.
- Restored confidence and self-esteem: Dental bridges not only enhance the functionality of your teeth but also improve the appearance of your smile. With a restored smile, you can regain your confidence and enjoy social interactions without hesitation.
- Prevention of adjacent tooth movement: When a tooth is missing, adjacent teeth can shift and become misaligned. Dental bridges prevent this movement, maintaining the proper alignment of your teeth.
The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
When it comes to oral health, replacing missing teeth is crucial. Not only does it impact the functionality of your mouth, but it also affects your overall appearance and self-confidence. That’s where dental bridges can make a significant difference.
Missing teeth can lead to various dental problems. The surrounding teeth may shift out of place, causing misalignment and bite issues. Additionally, the gaps left by missing teeth can make it harder to chew and speak properly. Over time, this can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and even digestive problems.
But it’s not just about the physical effects. Missing teeth can take a toll on your self-esteem. It can make you hesitant to smile or laugh freely, affecting your personal and professional relationships. Fortunately, dental bridges offer an excellent solution to these challenges.
Dental bridges are designed to seamlessly blend in with your existing teeth, giving you a complete and beautiful smile. They are anchored in place using adjacent healthy teeth as support, creating a stable and durable restoration.
At Chicago Style Smiles, our experienced team specializes in dental bridges, ensuring a precise fit and optimal results. We prioritize your comfort and satisfaction, using advanced techniques to create a seamless blend between the bridge and your natural teeth.
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back. Restore your smile and improve your overall oral health with dental bridges. Take the first step towards a confident and vibrant smile by scheduling a consultation at Chicago Style Smiles today.
Restoring Your Smile Naturally
Dental bridges from Chicago Style Smiles are designed to seamlessly blend in with your existing teeth, creating a natural and harmonious smile. Our talented team of dental professionals uses the latest techniques and materials to ensure that your dental bridge matches your natural tooth color, shape, and size. The result is a smile that looks and feels completely natural, boosting your confidence and self-esteem.
The Dental Bridge Placement Process
At Chicago Style Smiles, we understand the importance of a seamless dental bridge placement process. Our expert team is dedicated to providing you with a comfortable and stress-free experience from start to finish.
Dental Bridge Placement Consultation:
Before your dental bridge placement, you will have a consultation with one of our skilled dentists. During this consultation, we will assess your oral health, discuss your goals and expectations, and determine if dental bridges are the right solution for you. Chicago Style Smiles takes pride in personalized care, ensuring that your needs and concerns are addressed.
Create an Impression of Your Teeth:
Once we have determined that dental bridges are the best option for you, we will create an impression of your teeth. This impression will serve as the basis for fabricating your custom dental bridge, ensuring a precise fit and natural appearance.
Preparing the Abutment Teeth:
In order to support the dental bridge, the abutment teeth need to be prepared. Our skilled dentist will carefully shape and contour these teeth to ensure a secure fit for the bridge. Local anesthesia will be used to ensure your comfort throughout this process.
Temporary Bridge Placement:
While your custom dental bridge is being crafted, a temporary bridge will be placed to protect your abutment teeth. This temporary bridge is designed to maintain your smile’s aesthetics and functionality until the final bridge is ready.
Final Bridge Placement:
Once your custom dental bridge is ready, our expert dentist will remove the temporary bridge and carefully place the final bridge. We will ensure that the bridge fits securely and comfortably, allowing you to enjoy restored dental function and a natural-looking smile.
Follow-Up Care:
After your dental bridge placement, our team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your bridge. We will also schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor the condition of your bridge and address any concerns you may have. Chicago Style Smiles is committed to your long-term oral health.
Expertise and Care at Chicago Style Smiles
Our team at Chicago Style Smiles understands that dental bridge placement is a vital step towards restoring your smile and confidence. We combine our expertise with a compassionate approach to provide you with exceptional dental care. Trust us to guide you through the entire dental bridge placement process, and see the transformative results for yourself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dental bridges offered by Chicago Style Smiles provide a reliable and effective solution for restoring your smile. With their natural appearance and expert care, you can regain your confidence and radiate a vibrant smile once again.
By replacing missing teeth with dental bridges, you not only improve your oral health but also enhance your overall functionality and appearance. Chicago Style Smiles understands the importance of personalized treatment and ensures that each dental bridge is meticulously crafted to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
With the expertise and attention to detail provided by Chicago Style Smiles, you can trust in the long-lasting durability and functionality of your dental bridges. Say goodbye to gaps in your smile and embrace a renewed sense of self-assurance with dental bridges from Chicago Style Smiles.