Dental Bridges: Five Must-Know Facts

Jade

January 8, 2022

Missing teeth is certainly not an ideal situation for anyone; we want to feel good about our smiles and not have to worry when eating, talking, or laughing with friends and family. At our local dental clinic, many patients come in for an appointment to acquire a remedy for this issue: an especially great treatment that many dentists tend to recommend is receiving a dental bridge.

A dental bridge is a prosthetic that’s tailored to fit your oral dimensions exactly and fill in those unwanted spaces in your smile. Largely designed from porcelain due to the material’s durability, resistance to stains, and subtle appearance, dental bridges are very reliable and will support your smile for many years.

If you’re looking to gather more information about dental bridges near you, contact us at Underhill Dental today.

Important Facts to Keep in Mind 

The majority of people are unfamiliar with dental jargon and how those types of treatments work. With that said, if a dentist near you has recommended that you receive a certain form of care, such as a dental bridge, there are some facts for you to keep in mind before committing to anything.

  1. Dental bridges are a form of restorative dentistry and can be used to replace up to three missing teeth.
  2. You’ll need to adjust how you floss.
  3. Depending on your situation, if your surrounding teeth are damaged or weakened, your dentist may suggest acquiring dental implants to further support your smile.
  4. This prosthetic helps preserve your overall smile.
  5. By practicing proper dental hygiene, your bridge can last you up to 10 years or more.

A Closer Look 

There are 4 types of dental bridges available to you:

Traditional – This is the most commonly acquired by patients. A pontic (artificial tooth) is used to fill in the gap in your smile, and 2 dental crowns are fastened to your neighboring teeth to keep it in place.

Maryland – Unlike the other variants, a Maryland bridge utilizes a metal framework as opposed to dental crowns to fasten it to your smile.

Cantilever – Dentists typically recommend this form of bridge to patients missing teeth at the back of their mouths since only one crown is used to hold it in position.

Implant-Supported – Dental implants are surgically installed into your jawbone to provide additional support to your smile. The implants are made from titanium, a biocompatible material that doesn’t irritate your tissues. As for the prosthetic itself, which is identical to the structure of a traditional bridge, it rests on top of the implants.

If you’re unsure what type of dental bridge is best for your case, be sure to book an appointment with a dentist in North York. They’ll invite you in for a private consultation to assess your oral cavity, take x-rays, and discuss your eligibility for this treatment. They’ll also be able to answer any questions you may have.

Should you be an ideal candidate, your dentist will go ahead with the process. First, molds will be made of your smile and sent to the dental lab; this information guides the technicians who fabricate your bridge.

2-3 weeks later, you’ll return to the clinic and receive the bridge. And . . . voila! A new smile that’s beautiful and functional.

Book a Consultation with Our Team Today!

At our local dental clinic, we provide dental bridges in North York to patients who need them. Our skilled, welcoming staff is eager to meet and work with you to get your oral health back on the right track. Call, come in, or visit our website to set up an appointment whenever it works for you.