Information on Dental Bridges from Primary Dental Care?
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are one of a few ways that Primal Dental Care specialists can fill the gaps created by missing teeth. A custom-made dental bridge can literally bridge the gap created in a smile by one or more missing teeth. A permanent bridge is created between the two teeth surrounding the gap, and can be anchored to either natural or implanted teeth. There are three commonly used types of dental bridges: traditional bridges, cantilever bridges and Maryland bonded bridges. Each of the three types has its own place and purpose. Primary Dental Care specializes in all three and is open to consultations to help decide which bridge is the best solution on a case-by-case basis.
How are Dental Bridges fitted?
The procedure involved in getting a custom-made bridge can vary from patient to patient. The first consultation is used to determine what type of bridge and what material is best for making the bridge. Bridges can be created with metal, porcelain or a combination of the two. Following this, a custom mold must be made of the area so that a proper fitting, custom bridge can be designed. Depending on the type of bridge that is being designed, the teeth surrounding the gap, abutment teeth, may need to be fitted with a crown so that they can support the bridge properly. The crown must be in place prior to the impression being taken to ensure the accuracy of the dental mold.
Once the mold is completed, Primary Dental Care sends it off to a dental appliance manufacturer, where the custom-made dental bridge will be constructed. In this interim period, Primary Dental Care can provide a temporary dental bridge to help patients acclimatize themselves to the dental bridge and explore the fit while their final bridge is being made. When the custom bridge is complete, the temporary bridge is removed and replaced. Primary Dental Care staff are experts in dental bridge installation and aim for a perfect fit from the first installation, however, it is not uncommon that additional visits might be needed to adjust and check the fit of a new dental bridge. When the fit is confirmed, the bridge will be cemented into place to securely keep it there.
Taking Care of Dental Bridges
Immediately following the installation of a final or temporary dental brace, Primary Dental Care recommends eating soft food and taking it easy on the area where the dental bridge has been installed. It can take a while to get used to the bridge, however, there should be little to no pain caused during the process.
With good oral hygiene and proper care a dental bridge can last for over ten years. The average expectancy ranges between five and fifteen, depending on the level of maintenance care that the patient chooses to provide. Primary Dental Care recommends regular oral hygiene, brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and mouthwash to help to maintain the quality of the dental bridge and continued good oral health. Coming in for checkups and cleaning can also help to maintain and proactively spot any potential damage or problems to a dental bridge.
For more information concerning how custom-made, permanent dental bridges are fitted and cared for, or whether or not they might benefit you and your situation, please contact Primary Dental Care in Garden Grove, California at 714-537-5700.