Dental Bridge![]() Types of Dental BridgesThere are four types of dental bridges. These include the traditional bridges, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported bridges. The traditional dental bridge is commonly used and involves placing the false tooth using crowns fixed in the adjacent teeth. It's most suitable for individuals who are missing just a tooth. The cantilever dental bridge is similar to the traditional ones, but it fixes the false tooth to only one adjacent tooth using a dental crown. Also, the Maryland process resembles the traditional one, but the false tooth is held by either metal or porcelain frames behind the existing natural teeth. Finally, the implant-supported dental bridge uses dental implants. Each implant is fixed for a missing tooth, which then holds the entire bridge in position. If one tooth fails, other implants hold it. An implant-supported bridge requires two processes; fixing the implants in the jawbone and placing the bridge. Differences Between Bridges and ImplantsA dental bridge may need a replacement after every five to fifteen years, while implants are considered permanent solutions for damaged teeth. The lifespan of bridges gets reduced by lack of dental hygiene and general maintenance of the teeth. Why Bridges Are ImportantWhen you have any underlying dental issues, being confident, and smiling becomes difficult. You also have problems performing other mouth duties such as eating and talking. Bridges are essential since they help restore your confidence, smile, speech, and maintain your facial appearance. It also helps balance the chewing process and to safeguard the remaining teeth. Caring for Dental BridgesLike any other dental process, you need to take care of your dental bridges to ensure they last longer. With good oral hygiene, your dental bridges can last up to fifteen years. Our dentist will give you details on cleaning and maintaining the dental bridges depending on the type. You should also avoid hard foods such as nuts, dry maize, and popcorn. Being confident and having a good smile matters a lot, especially when in public. Having a missing tooth can significantly impact your life negatively. Talk to our professionals today and have them schedule you for the procedure. For more information on how you can reach us and have a conversation with our professionals, call Smile Family Dentistry at 925-414-4128 today. |