Dental Bridges

Dental Bridges Chapel Hill NC

You need all of your teeth to speak, chew food, and keep the other teeth in the right alignment. Even while tooth loss isn’t always associated with aging, it is necessary to replace lost teeth in order to keep your mouth functioning properly. Thankfully, there are ways to stop tooth loss.

Dental Bridge Options

A dental bridge, a tool for replacing missing teeth, fastens artificial teeth to healthy teeth, also known as abutment teeth. Bridges come in two varieties: fixed bridges and detachable bridges.

In order to apply a fixed bridge, the abutment teeth must either have crowns placed on them or the artificial teeth must be bonded to the abutment teeth. Metal clasps or precise attachments are used to secure removable bridges to teeth.

You may be aware of the significance of your teeth to your appearance and dental health if you have one or more missing teeth. Your teeth cooperate for a variety of daily activities, including speaking and chewing food. It’s challenging to do these actions when teeth are lacking. Teeth that are missing can and should be restored. Bridges that are fixed are a fantastic approach to repairing your dental health and appearance.

What exactly is a dental bridge or fixed partial denture?

A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a prosthetic that bridges the space left by missing teeth. Fixed bridges must be removed by a dental specialist and are glued into place. As the name suggests, removable bridges can be removed and cleaned. Bridges that are fixed provide more stability than those that are detachable.

Why do I need a dental bridge?

Wearing a bridge is vital for its practicality and aesthetics. Your lips and cheeks are supported by a bridge. Your mouth may sag and your face may appear older if you lose a rear tooth.

The primary justification for a bridge is dental health. Teeth were made to work well together. When teeth are absent, unusual stresses are put on the gums and other oral tissues, leading to a number of potentially dangerous illnesses.

One of the biggest consequences of missing teeth is an elevated risk of gum disease, which can be reduced with a bridge.

Speech difficulties can result from missing teeth because many of the sounds we need to talk clearly are produced by them.

How is a dental bridge attached?

Normally, it takes two or three appointments to finish the process. Dr. Lehmann will remove some enamel and dentin from the teeth on either side of the gap during the initial session in order to prepare them.

Impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be made since the bridge needs to be made extremely precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth.

Normally, fixed bridges are affixed to the neighboring healthy teeth close to the gap caused by the lost tooth. The missing tooth is replaced by a pontic (fake tooth). The bridge is supported by dental crowns, which are affixed to the natural teeth using cement.

What materials are used for dental bridges?

Porcelain, non-precious alloys, gold alloys, or a combination of these materials can all be used to build bridges. The most popular material for combining strength and beauty is porcelain.

How do I take care of my bridge?

The bridge and neighboring teeth can be kept clean by following a thorough brushing and flossing routine. As the bridge depends on the adjoining teeth for stability, this is of utmost importance.