At our dental practice, we believe everyone deserves a confident smile. One of the most effective ways to restore your smile when you have missing teeth is through dental bridges. A typical bridge comprises two or more crowns for the teeth on each side and one or more false teeth in between, referred to as pontics.
How Do Dental Bridges Work?
Losing a tooth impacts your ability to speak and chew, and can cause dental problems like shifting teeth or an uneven bite. Dental bridges address these issues by maintaining your facial structure and alleviating bite stress.
Here is a simplified overview of how we place a dental bridge:
First, we prepare the abutment teeth by reshaping them to accommodate the crowns that will support the bridge. Next, we take impressions of your teeth to create a model for the bridge, pontic, and crowns, which will be crafted in a dental lab. We then place a temporary bridge to protect your teeth and gums while your permanent bridge is being made. Once the permanent bridge has been created, we replace the temporary bridge and ensure the new bridge fits comfortably.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges enhance your appearance by filling in gaps, providing a boost to your self-esteem. They restore oral functions and help maintain your facial structure, preventing the sunken look that can accompany tooth loss. Additionally, they distribute bite forces evenly.
Caring for Your Dental Bridges
Taking care of your dental bridges is essential to ensure their longevity and effectiveness. Regular dental visits are crucial for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums, which in turn supports the bridge. It is also important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Brushing twice a day, flossing and using an antiseptic mouthwash will help keep your mouth healthy and prevent issues like decay or gum disease that could affect your bridge.
Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?
Deciding if a dental bridge is the right solution for you involves a few considerations. We will evaluate the health of your remaining teeth, as these will need to be strong enough to support the bridge. It is also important to consider your oral hygiene habits since good dental care is vital to the success of a bridge. During your consultation, we will discuss your specific needs and help you determine the best course of action for restoring your smile.
If you are dealing with missing teeth, we invite you to visit Bespoke Sleep & Cosmetic Dentistry for a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Ryan Thompson, to discuss your options for dental bridges in McKinney, Texas. Call us at 972-346-2992 today to get started.