Dental Bridges
Guide to Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are restorative dentistry that helps replace missing teeth and provide an aesthetically pleasing smile. If you have one or more missing teeth, a dental bridge can be a great option to restore your smile and improve your oral health. At 23rd Street Dental, Dr. David Allen, Dr. Clinton, and Dr. Hoang Hyatt in Oklahoma City, OK, offer dental bridges to patients who need to restore their smiles.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is an oral appliance that replaces the gap left by one or more missing teeth. Additionally, It is typically made from porcelain fused with metal but can also be constructed from all-ceramic material for patients with allergies or sensitivities to metals in the mouth. The bridge consists of two abutment crowns attached to adjacent teeth and a false tooth (or pontic) placed between them to fill the missing tooth’s space. Moreover, abutments support the false tooth and act as anchors once the bridge is cemented.
Benefits of Bridges
After tooth loss from trauma, decay, or gum disease, a bridge can restore your smile.
Types of Dental Bridges
Bridges can restore your ability to chew and speak properly, enhancing oral health. Moreover, they also prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place, leading to bite problems and gum disease.
A dental bridge can improve the appearance of your smile by filling in gaps caused by missing teeth. Our dental team will customize the bridge to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking result.
Dental bridges are made from high-quality materials, such as porcelain and metal, which are strong and durable. With proper care, a dental bridge can last for many years.
Several types of dental bridges are available, including traditional bridges, Maryland bridges, and cantilever bridges. Additionally, each type has its unique benefits and may be recommended based on the patient’s specific needs.
Getting a dental bridge requires two or more dental appointments. First, during the first appointment, our dental team will prepare the adjacent teeth for the dental crowns by removing a portion of the enamel. Next, we will take an impression of the teeth and send it to a dental lab, where the bridge will be custom-made to fit your needs.
Once the bridge is ready, you will return to our office for the second appointment. Then, our dental team will carefully place the dental crowns over the adjacent teeth and attach the replacement tooth in between. Before permanently bonding, we will ensure the bridge fits comfortably and looks natural.
Procedure for Getting a Dental Bridge
The most common bridge consists of two dental crowns on either side of the gap, supporting a replacement tooth in between. Moreover, the dental crowns are placed over the adjacent teeth, which serve as anchors for the bridge.
Made from a metal or porcelain framework, this bridge is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth.
However, less invasive than a traditional bridge, this option suits patients with healthy adjacent teeth.
This bridge resembles a traditional one but needs only one adjacent tooth for support.
Furthermore, less commonly used, this bridge may not be recommended in certain cases.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Caring for your dental bridge is similar to caring for your natural teeth—brush and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. Moreover, avoid eating hard or sticky foods that may damage the bridge, and visit our office regularly for dental check-ups and cleanings. With proper care, your dental bridge can last many years and help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.
Dental Bridges in Oklahoma City, OK
At 23rd Street Dental, we proudly offer our patients in Oklahoma City high-quality dental bridges. Our dental bridges are custom-made to fit your unique needs and preferences, ensuring that you receive the best possible treatment for your individual situation. Schedule an appointment today.