Dental Bridges Spring Hill, FL
A dental bridge is an appliance placed in a patient’s mouth to take the place of either one tooth, or more than one, with fake teeth known as pontics. Porcelain is typically used for the false teeth to give a natural look to them, so they blend in with the other teeth. Dental bridges are bound to real teeth on both sides of the gap to secure the appliance. They are either fixed, which means they are permanently placed, or removable which allows the patient to remove them for cleaning. It also allows them to clean the gap area maintaining proper gum and oral health.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are four different types of dental bridges. Our dental team will do an evaluation and thorough exam to determine which one best meets your needs. The first type is a traditional bridge which is one or more false teeth held in place by crowns placed on abutment teeth on both sides of the gap. This is the most widely used type of dental bridge and is recommended when there are healthy, natural teeth to the left and right side of the gap. Another type is the cantilever bridge, which is exactly like a traditional bridge with the exception that it only requires one normal tooth next to the missing tooth gap. The Maryland dental bridge also utilizes two natural teeth on either side of the gap but rather than using crowns to hold them in place, it uses a porcelain or metal structure bonded to the back of the abutment teeth. The implant-supported dental bridge is exactly that. Instead of using a framework or crowns on either side of the missing tooth gap, it uses dental implants to secure the bridge. This is by far the most stable of the dental bridge types and commonly requires two appointments to complete. The first appointment allows for the implants to be secured to the jawbone and the second for the actual dental bridge to be placed. Our highly trained staff can place any kind of bridge necessary to correct the issue.
Who Needs a Bridge?
A dental bridge can help any patient struggling with self-esteem and confidence concerning their appearance with missing teeth. By making the false teeth out of porcelain our staff is able to closely match the color and shape of the surrounding teeth so the appliance goes unnoticed.
Reasons for a Bridge
Dental bridges are important because they fill the space where there are missing teeth. This restores your bite and helps keep the natural shape of your mouth and face. It also helps the teeth on both sides of the gap from shifting into the available space which can affect bite and jaw function.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
Most dental bridges last from five to fifteen years though the duration is largely dependent upon maintenance and oral hygiene practices. For those with removable bridges, it is highly recommended to take them out and clean them each night. Patients should also clean the covered gap as well. Let our office team at DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi Dental Care place a bridge for you. Call us at (352) 666-9898 to schedule an appointment or visit during normal office hours so we can help you. |