We don’t plan for it, but a lot of us end up with a missing tooth or two at some point in our lives. Missing teeth can affect more than just the appearance of your smile. Since your bottom and top teeth are meant to work together, missing teeth can increase the stress on your jaw and remaining teeth and even lead to a misaligned bite. In this blog post, our team at Saby Dental explores how dental bridges in Red Deer can relieve this pressure and restore your smile!
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges, true to their name, are designed to “bridge” the gap caused by missing teeth. There are many types of dental bridges near you, including:
● Traditional Bridges: traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge and can contain one to four false teeth to bridge the gap. Traditional bridges are used when there are natural teeth available on each side of the gap. These teeth are used to anchor the traditional dental bridge and help it replace the missing tooth.
● Maryland Bridges: this is a more conservative form of dental bridge and is anchored to the gum line with a porcelain or metal framework. Your dentist in Red Deer may recommend this option if you are opposed to getting dental crowns.
● Cantilever Bridges: these are similar to traditional bridges, but they are used when there is only one tooth on one side of the gap, making them ideal for replacing back molars.
● Implant-Supported Bridges: these dental bridges are best used when a patient is missing more than one tooth in a row. This bridge is anchored to the gum line using dental implants, making this type of bridge the most permanent and secure.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
Not only do dental bridges provide patients with a radiant and natural-looking smile, but they also offer benefits such as:
● Affordable treatment
● Quick and simple procedure
● Long-lasting
● Enhanced dental health
● Restore chewing and speaking functionality
● Boosted confidence
How Long Does the Process Take?
The process for dental bridges usually takes one to two visits to Saby Dental. Our dentist will take impressions of your teeth at the first visit to manufacture your custom dental bridge. Once your new dental bridge is ready, you will be invited back for a second visit, where our dentist will install the bridge and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that it fits comfortably and seamlessly with your smile.
How to Care for Your Dental Bridge
When you get a dental bridge installed by a dentist near you, you won’t need to worry about changing your dental routine. Dental bridges require the same care as your natural teeth. This means that you must continue to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes and floss once daily. Ensure that you pay close attention to brushing around and under your dental bridge to keep it in optimal shape.
Additionally, it would be best if you continued to visit our dental clinic in Red Deer at least once every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup. This will allow our dentist to examine your dental bridge and overall oral health to ensure that it stays in good condition. With the proper care, your dental bridge can last you up to a decade or more!