Having a missing tooth can create self-esteem issues for many people. But with the help of cosmetic dentistry, you can now replace the tooth and get a flawless smile once again.
Dental bridges are a type of dental prosthetic appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth. There are different types of dental bridges, each with its benefits and drawbacks.
Dental bridges are generally considered to be a permanent solution for missing teeth. But are they really permanent? That is exactly what we are going to find out in this post. We got in touch with Dr. Ernesto Carmona, a top dentist in Austin, Tx to find out more about dental bridges.
What Is A Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge has a false tooth, known as a pontic, which is fused between two crowns to fill in the space of a missing tooth. The two crowns holding it in place are attached to the teeth on either side of the false tooth. This is known as a dental bridge. It can only be removed by a dentist as it is firmly secured in the palace. In some cases, the bridge is also fixed on top of a dental implant to get natural-looking teeth.
The most common type of dental bridge is made from porcelain fused with metal. Porcelain is a strong and durable material that can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Metal is used for the inner structure of the bridge and is usually made from gold, palladium, or a base metal alloy. But apart from these, all-porcelain bridges are also popular. So you can discuss your options with your dentist to find out which type of dental bridge is the best for your needs.
The Procedure For Getting A Dental Bridge
If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to get a dental bridge, the first step is to schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist. They have special training in performing cosmetic dental procedures and will assess your mouth to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
During the consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth and may even take X-rays to determine if a bridge is the best option for you. If you and your dentist decide that a bridge is the best way to restore your smile, the next step is to prepare your teeth for dental crowns. This involves removing a layer of enamel from teeth on either side of the gap. Then a mold will be created to prepare the customized bridge and sent to the lab.
The bridge can take a couple of weeks to be fabricated so in the meantime a temporary bridge will be given to you to protect the exposed teeth. Once the bridge arrives from the lab, the temporary bridge will be removed and the new one will be secured in place with help of special bonding glue.
Do Dental Bridges Last Forever
Dentists have varied opinions on how long a dental bridge can last. Some believe they are permanent while others consider them long-lasting but semi-permanent.
This is because various factors determine how long a dental bridge can last. This includes the quality of materials used to fabricate the dental bridge, diet, and oral care habits.
The average lifespan of a dental bridge is said to be 7-10 years. With proper care and maintenance, your dental bridge should give you many years of trouble-free use and even last a lifetime.
Caring For Your Dental Bridge
The type of dental restoration you choose will ultimately depend on your individual needs and preferences. But there are a few things you can do to ensure that your dental bridge lasts for as long as possible.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an interdental brush and cool water to clean around the bridge twice a day.
- Use dental floss once every day to remove food debris stuck in between the teeth.
- Avoid eating food that is hard or too acidic. E. g, nuts, seeds, acidic fruit juices, etc.
- Wear a mouthguard at night if you tend to grind your teeth in sleep.
- Get your teeth cleaned professionally at least once a year at the dentist’s office and get regular dental checkups.
There are several benefits of getting dental bridges including improved confidence and the ability to chew food properly. So if you need to get dental bridges in Austin, Tx, you must visit Dr. Enresto Carmona of Austin Prosthodontics. He is a well-experienced cosmetic dentist who has created beautiful smiles for his patients using dental bridges, implants, and many more procedures.
Dr. Carmona will listen to all your needs and recommend you the best possible way to replace a missing tooth. So call up his clinic or visit the Austin Prosthodontics website right away to schedule your consultation at the earliest.
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