Missing teeth can impact your smile, self-esteem, and overall oral health. Dental bridges remain one of the best solutions for filling gaps caused by missing teeth and restoring function as well as aesthetics. Dental bridges in West Roxbury are something that you may have to consider for yourself, so here are five things that you need to know about them.
1. What are dental bridges?
A dental bridge is a retainer prosthesis that fills gaps produced by missing teeth by securing artificial teeth to the abutment of retained natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges are a combination of pontics, i.e., artificial teeth, and abutments, i.e., anchoring natural teeth. Dentists can produce robust and aesthetically pleasing bridges from diverse materials such as porcelain, ceramics, or metal.
Dental bridges restore chewing and speech and stop the other teeth from shifting out of place. They also help keep your jaw and face looking as they should.
2. Advantages of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are loaded with many positive benefits, and they are a favourite among tooth replacements. Some of the benefits of dental bridges that stand out the most are:
- Restored Function: They enable you to chew and talk as you used to, returning your mouth to complete functionality.
- Improved Aesthetics: Bridges close the gaps and improve the appearance of your smile, giving you greater self-confidence and esteem.
- Prevention of Teeth Shifting: Missing teeth can push other teeth out of alignment, leading to biting problems, misalignment, and even jaw aches.
- Retains face structure: In the absence of teeth, facial muscles droop, and this leads to early aging. Dental bridges ensure that facial drooping is prevented alongside the preservation of facial shape and structure.
- Long-Term Solution: Properly maintained dental bridges last for 10-15 years and even longer, offering a permanent and economic option compared to other types of restorations.
3. The Dental Bridge Procedure
The procedure for obtaining a dental bridge usually entails several steps:
- First Consultation: Your West Roxbury dentist will evaluate your oral health and decide the most suitable type of bridge for your situation.
- Teeth Preparation: The surrounding teeth, referred to as abutments, are prepared to hold the bridge.
- Impressions and Temporary Bridge: Impressions are made to create a personalized bridge, and a temporary bridge is installed to guard your teeth.
- Final Placement: After the permanent bridge is prepared, it is firmly placed and adjusted for a proper fit.
4. How to Look After Your Dental Bridge
You have to maintain your dental bridge every day so that it will last long. Following are some suggestions:
- Take care of oral health: brush teeth morning and night, and floss every day, with a focus around the bridge.
- Use a Bridge Flosser or Water Flosser: These are instruments to clean underneath the bridge where a toothbrush cannot reach.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Regular check-ups and professional cleaning will ensure any problems are detected early.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods: These can damage the bridge or dislodge it.
5. Who is a good candidate for a dental bridge?
The following individuals are the best candidates for dental bridges near you:
- Have one or more missing teeth.
- Have healthy neighbouring teeth that can act as the posts of the bridge.
- If you do not want to wear removable dentures.
- People who seek a cheaper option than dental implants
Get Your Smile Back with Nine One Dental
In case you are seeking dental bridges, Nine One Dental can provide you with expert solutions for you to get your smile. We have specialists at our dentist clinic who deliver high-quality personalized dental bridges that enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your teeth. Contact a reputable dentist in West Roxbury and let us transform your smile as per your needs.