Dental Bridges: Your Missing Teeth Are Not Forever
Missing teeth can pose a number of problems, from difficulty speaking to nasty-looking gaps. Luckily there are plenty of solutions for your missing teeth, with dental bridges leading the way. Read on to find out what dental bridges are and how they can help improve your oral health
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The Dental Bridge Treatment
A dental bridge is a false tooth, known as a pontic, which is fused between two dental crowns to fill in the gap created by a missing tooth. The bridge is anchored onto existing teeth or implants, and can only be removed by a dentist.
Dental bridges are usually made from porcelain or ceramic, which can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth. They are also available in metals such as gold or titanium.
The pontic is attached to the abutment teeth (the existing teeth next to the gap) with dental cement or metal brackets. A cantilever bridge is used when there are no adjacent teeth on one side of the missing tooth. This type of bridge is supported by one tooth on one side of the gap.
The traditional bonded bridge involves creating a crown for each abutment tooth and attaching them together in between. This type of bridge is strong and has the advantage of not requiring any preparation of the adjacent teeth. However, it can be more expensive than other types of bridges.
A resin-bonded bridge uses brackets and wires instead of metal crowns to attach the pontic to the abutment teeth. This type of bridge is less expensive than traditional bridges, but it does require some preparation of the adjacent teeth (called etching).
If you are considering a dental bridge in Brampton, Beaumaris Dental can discuss all available options with you and help you choose the type of bridge.
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What Causes Missing Teeth?
There are many reasons why teeth may become missing, including:
- Tooth decay: This is one of the most common reasons for tooth loss. When a tooth decays, it first develops a small hole, which can then grow larger and eventually lead to the death of the tooth.
- Gum disease: Another common reason for tooth loss is gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can damage the tissue and bone that support the teeth.
- Trauma: Teeth can also be knocked out or broken as a result of trauma, such as an accident or sports injury.
- Other health conditions: Some medical conditions, such as cancer and diabetes, can also increase the risk of tooth loss.
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Materials used in Dental Bridges
When it comes to dental bridges, there are a few different materials that can be used in order to restore your smile. The most common material used is porcelain, as it closely resembles the natural color of teeth. The most important factor in choosing the right material for your dental bridge is finding something that will match your surrounding teeth in both color and shape.
There are three primary materials that are used to create dental bridges: Porcelain, metal, and zirconia. Each material has its own set of benefits and drawbacks that must be considered before choosing the right type of bridge for your smile.
- Porcelain bridges are the most popular type of bridge, as they are natural-looking and durable. However, porcelain is also the most expensive option, and it can be susceptible to staining over time.
- Metal bridges are a more affordable option than porcelain, but they are not as aesthetically pleasing. Metal bridges can also cause irritation to the gums if they are not fitted correctly.
- Zirconia bridges offer the best of both worlds: they are strong and stain-resistant like porcelain bridges, but they are also more affordable than their porcelain counterparts. However, zirconia bridges can be more difficult to adjust if they do not fit properly.
No matter which material you choose for your dental bridge, it’s important to consult with our dentists to know which one will be better for you.
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Alternative to Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer a great way to replace missing teeth, but they’re not the only option. If you’re considering a dental bridge, be sure to ask your dentist about these alternative tooth replacement options:
- Dental implants: Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the jawbone. Once the implant has healed, an artificial tooth (crown) is attached to the top of the implant. Dental implants are the strongest and most durable option for replacing missing teeth.
- Partial dentures: Partial dentures are false teeth that attach to your existing teeth with metal clasps or brackets. Partial dentures are less expensive than dental bridges and implants, but they're also less stable and can't be used to replace all of your teeth.
- Implant-supported dentures: Implant-supported dentures are similar to regular dentures, but they're anchored in place by 2 or more dental implants. Implant-supported dentures are more expensive than traditional dentures, but they offer a more stable and secure fit.
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Conclusion
Dental bridges are a great way to replace your missing teeth and improve the quality of your smile. With careful maintenance, dental bridges can last for many years and provide you with the confidence you need to show your smile to the world. If you are considering getting a dental bridge in Brampton, be sure to consult with Beaumaris Dental Care for any queries.
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