Missing teeth are not just unpleasant to look at but can cause damage to the adjacent teeth and cause the teeth to be more susceptible to decay and gums more prone to gum disease. Gaps in the teeth can cause the adjacent teeth to drift out of place and get misaligned. You may also encounter future problems with your bite. Gaps and imbalances can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. To avoid the occurrence of these problems your dentist can advise Dental Bridges Portland to fill the gaps.
Before the bridge can be made for a patient, the dentist will have to reduce the size of the tooth or teeth so that the bridge may comfortably fit over it. Once the teeth have been reduced, the dentist takes the impression to provide an exact and precise mold for the replacement teeth. While the permanent bridge is being made, the dentist will place a temporary bridge. Once the new bridge is ready, it is cemented in place.
Dental bridges are advised to patients who practice good oral hygiene and are committed to the care and upkeep of their teeth. With proper care, the bridges may last up to 10 years. Bridges are composed of one or more prosthetic or false teeth (known as pontic) which are held in place by two porcelain crowns attached to teeth on either side of the pontic. The teeth on either side of the replacement tooth/teeth which act as anchors for the bridges are called abutments. Such dental bridges are fixed. Cantilever bridges may be used to correct a gap in the front teeth. The material for the components of a dental bridge depends on the function, expense and aesthetic considerations. Commonly used materials are porcelain and ceramic.
The three types of dental bridges in common use are:
* Traditional fixed bridge
* Resin bonded bridge
* Cantilever bridge
The bridges are very natural in appearance and can be fixed easily requiring only a couple of visits to your dental professional. With proper care and maintenance and observing correct oral hygiene, the prosthetics may last a decade or so. Bacteria can build up and cause teeth and gums to get infected if proper hygiene is not maintained. A bridge can also lose support if the adjacent teeth and gums are affected by periodontal disease. The recipient of the treatment must keep gums and teeth healthy by brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. Get professional cleanings regularly to ensure the long life of dental bridges. Detroit MI residents can consult local dentists for bridges and crowns.
