Dental Bridges Nobody wants a gap in their smile. For both health and cosmetic reasons, replacing a missing tooth should always be a top priority. That is why Riverstone Dental Group offers dental bridges. Dental Bridge BasicsThe problem with replacing a missing tooth is that it can be difficult to keep it stable and steady in the mouth. Our natural teeth rely on a root that extends below the gum and into the jawbone, but without a dental implant, this same stability cannot be achieved. To solve this problem, dentists created what is known as a dental bridge. A bridge suspends the prosthetic tooth between a pair of crowns on each side. These crowns are placed over preexisting teeth, ensuring that the prosthetic between them cannot budge, even while chewing or biting. Modern bridges are versatile and can replace both front and back teeth. Why Do We Recommend Bridges?Missing a tooth can have consequences on both your physical and psychological health. A missing molar can make it tough to chew, while a missing incisor can make it embarrassing to smile or even laugh and talk. Worse, when a tooth goes missing, the remaining teeth around it will start to move out of place now that there is nothing keeping them all in a neat row. If teeth drift too much, you may need orthodontics to correct the problem. Bridges are a great way to solve this problem. Most types of bridges require no surgery, meaning they are non-invasive, they are very affordable, and they are available to patients who are unable to qualify for options such as dental implants. What Kinds of Dental Bridges Are Available to You?Most bridges fall into one of four types. The type detailed above is the most common and is referred to as a traditional bridge. Traditional bridges are extremely stable, and great for back teeth. Cantilever bridges are similar but use a single crown and are meant for front teeth. Maryland bridges use no crowns at all, but porcelain “wings” that attach to the neighboring teeth. Finally, an implant supported bridge also uses implants, meaning that you cannot have any teeth where the bridge is being placed. How Bridges Are PlacedBefore we can place a bridge, we have to do some prep work on your mouth. Depending on the type of bridge, this may just be a general diagnostic exam, or it may require us to modify the teeth flanking the gap. Traditional and cantilever bridges rely on crowns for support. Crowns cannot be placed over a healthy, unmodified tooth, as this would add bulk that would be uncomfortable and could make eating and talking difficult. To accommodate a crown, the underlying tooth has to be filed down. You will then get a temporary bridge so that we can create your crowns and the prosthetic tooth, which we will place when completed. Do You Need a Dental Bridge?If you have a missing tooth, then a dental bridge from Riverstone Dental Group can be a great way to restore your smile. Call (925) 414-9250 to talk to with one of our expert dentists about scheduling a consultation. |
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