Replacing Lost Teeth: The Impact of Dental Bridges on Oral Function
Jan 01, 2024
Losing a tooth not only adversely affects your smile but also influences your oral health and overall well-being. Dental bridges, a popular and effective solution, play a crucial role in restoring aesthetics and function to your mouth.
Understanding Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are custom-made prosthetic devices created to fill the void created by your missing teeth. Comprising artificial teeth, known as pontics, they are anchored by crowns on adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. The result is a seamless and functional restoration that improves your smile and maintains the integrity of your oral structure.
The Oral Impact of Missing Teeth
Losing a tooth can cause various oral issues, including:
- Altered Bite: Losing a tooth can cause adjacent teeth to shift, affecting your bite and potentially leading to jaw pain and discomfort.
- Speech Impairment: Missing teeth can alter your speech, causing difficulties in pronunciation and diction.
- Bone Loss: The absence of a tooth root contributes to bone loss in the jaw, impacting the facial structure and potentially leading to further tooth loss.
- Dental Misalignment: Surrounding teeth may tilt or rotate to fill the void created by a lost tooth, causing misalignment and potential issues with your bite.
The Role of Dental Bridges in Restoring Function
Dental bridges offer multifaceted benefits, addressing tooth loss’s functional and aesthetic aspects.
- Restoration of Bite Functionality: Dental bridges restore the proper alignment of teeth, allowing for a balanced bite and efficient chewing.
- Speech Improvement: By filling the gap created by missing teeth, dental bridges can contribute to clearer speech and improved pronunciation.
- Prevention of Dental Misalignment: A bridge for missing teeth prevents adjacent teeth from shifting into the space left by a missing tooth, maintaining the alignment of your natural teeth.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: In addition to restoring oral function, dental bridges offer a natural-looking replacement for missing teeth to improve the way your smile appears.
Choosing the Right Type of Dental Bridge
Selecting the appropriate dental bridge is a crucial decision. Understanding the types, from traditional to implant-supported options, ensures a personalized solution. Factors such as oral health, adjacent tooth condition, and patient preferences play a role in determining the most suitable bridge for optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.
- Traditional Dental Bridges: These bridges consist of pontics anchored by dental crowns on adjacent natural teeth.
- Cantilever Bridges: Suitable when only one adjacent tooth is available, these bridges are anchored on one side.
- Maryland Bonded Bridges: These bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to adjacent teeth, eliminating the need for crowns.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Secured by dental implants, these bridges offer a more stable and long-lasting solution.
The Procedure
- Consultation: Your dentist examines your oral health and discusses the most suitable type of dental bridge for your needs.
- Preparation: The adjacent teeth are prepared for traditional bridges by removing a small portion of enamel to accommodate crowns. Impressions are then taken for bridge fabrication.
- Temporary Bridge: When a permanent dental bridge is being prepared, a temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth.
- Fitting: Once the permanent bridge is ready, it is checked for fit and aesthetics before being permanently bonded.
- Adjustments: Your dentist ensures the bridge’s comfort and functionality, making any necessary adjustments.
The Role of Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges stand out for their stability and longevity. These bridges, anchored to dental implants, offer exceptional support without affecting adjacent teeth. Explore the transformative impact of implant-supported bridges on oral function, providing lasting confidence in your smile’s appearance and functionality.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for the longevity of your dental bridge. Follow these care tips:
- Regular Brushing and Flossing: Clean your dental bridge and surrounding teeth thoroughly to prevent plaque buildup and decay.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule routine dental check-ups to monitor the health of your bridge and address any issues promptly.
- Balanced Diet: Adopt a balanced diet to support overall oral health, avoiding excessive consumption of sugary and acidic foods.
Choosing Willow Park Dental for Your Dental Bridges
We understand how missing teeth impact your oral health and quality of life. Our experienced team specializes in providing personalized solutions, including
dental bridges in SE Calgary. Whether you need a bridge for a missing tooth or seek a permanent dental bridge supported by implants, we are dedicated to restoring your smile’s function and aesthetics. Please book an appointment with us and embark on your journey to regaining a complete and healthy smile.