Dental bridges, the missing piece to your complete smile puzzle, are a reliable and natural-looking solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. These custom-made appliances bridge the gap between your remaining teeth, restoring your ability to eat, speak and smile with ease.
The Purpose of Dental Bridges
When you lose a tooth, it can affect more than just your appearance. Dental bridges step in to prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting and maintain your facial structure. By filling the gap, they also help evenly distribute the forces during chewing, keeping your bite aligned.
The Bridge Creation Process: Step-by-Step
- Consultation: Your dental journey begins with a friendly consultation, where our dentist and team assesses your dental health and discusses the best bridge option for you.
- Preparing the Abutment Teeth: The teeth adjacent to the gap are gently prepared to accommodate the bridge. This involves reshaping them to ensure a secure fit for the dental crowns that will hold the bridge in place.
- Impressions: Precise impressions of your teeth are taken to craft a custom bridge that perfectly matches your natural teeth.
- Temporary Bridge: While your permanent bridge is being fabricated in a dental lab, a temporary bridge is placed to protect your exposed teeth and gums.
- Fitting the Permanent Bridge: Once ready, the permanent bridge is carefully checked for fit and aesthetics before being permanently cemented in place.
Types of Dental Bridges
- Traditional Bridges: These consist of one or more artificial teeth held in place by dental crowns on the adjacent teeth.
- Cantilever Bridges: Suitable when there’s only one adjacent tooth, these bridges are supported on one side only.
- Maryland Bridges: Also called resin-bonded bridges, these are made of porcelain or ceramic teeth and supported by metal or porcelain wings that are bonded to the adjacent teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges not only restore your smile but also improve your ability to chew and speak. They prevent neighboring teeth from shifting, maintain facial shape and boost your confidence, allowing you to shine in social settings without hiding your grin.
Caring for Your Dental Bridges
To keep your dental bridges in excellent condition, follow a consistent oral hygiene routine. Brush twice a day, floss regularly and do not forget to visit Dr. Safina LeClair for check-ups and professional cleanings. With proper care, your dental bridges in Spokane, Washington, can last for many years, giving you every reason to flash your bright, complete smile with pride!
Call Audubon Dental at 509-325-4227 today to schedule a consultation!