The facts that you need to know before getting a dental bridge

dental bridge

Do you need some form of dental restoration right now? Are you thinking of improving your smile and your health by implementing dental bridges? If the answer is yes, you’re precisely where you need to be —  going for a brand new dental bridge at Clock Tower Dentistry.

Sometimes, it can be embarrassing if you are missing a tooth or a few, so you should definitely take into consideration all the benefits of getting a dental bridge. It is more than important to upkeep both your oral health and keep a dazzling smile, seeing all the potential dental problems that you may suffer if you neglect existing issues.

You can replace several neighboring teeth and get yourself a beautiful and healthy smile you’ll no longer be ashamed of. There are many benefits to undergoing this medical procedure, and the positive feedback from people who chose our clinic testifies to that.

Let’s get down to the facts about various different kinds of dental bridges as well as materials, shall we?

Types of Dental Bridges

There are a handful of different types of dental bridges in widespread use today, depending on the needs of the patient. But dentists do agree that there are four main types.

1. Traditional Fixed Bridges

Traditional fixed dental bridges essentially comprise a false tooth (or teeth, of course) held fast with the help of dental crowns which are used to cement the surface of abutment teeth.

These fixed bridges are the most popular category and they are implemented when there is one or more missing teeth surrounded by healthy, natural teeth. 

2. Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges demand very careful planning. They are usually made of a mixture of ceramic and metal, or they can be made entirely of ceramic material. They are a popular choice with people who want to replace missing front teeth, particularly in cases where there is only one supporting adjacent tooth.

There are two types of cantilever bridges: those placed more at the front of the mouth and those that go toward the back of the mouth.

3. Maryland Bonded Bridges

Maryland bonded bridges — you might know them as resin-bonded bridges too — are used when there is no need to conduct an extensive preparation of the neighboring teeth before replacing the missing one.

This type of bridge is made from a metal framework and a new porcelain tooth fastened to it at the front of the supporting framework.

4. Fixed Implant Bridges

This is the most common dental bridge type since it is attached to dental implants and thus provides a more permanent solution. This type of dental bridge also comprises a dental implant that is attached to the jawbone and restorations made from porcelain that closely resemble your missing tooth. They also look and work like your natural teeth!

Types of Dental Bridge Materials

Fortunately, today, there are more options than ever when it comes to choosing the right material for your dental crown or bridge. Some of the dental materials guaranteed to provide strength and durability are zirconium and porcelain. Also, dental bridges made from these materials look natural, which makes them very popular.

Depending on your needs, you can also choose resin composite or metal alloy. Metal options are very popular because of their characteristics. Namely, they rarely break and don’t wear down easily.

However, there are complaints regarding metal alloy materials and their unnatural look due to their metallic color. Because of that, they are usually used for back molars, where they will not attract so much attention since they can not blend well with the neighboring teeth.

If you are looking for strictly natural-looking teeth, crowns and bridges crafted from all-porcelain or all-ceramic materials might be the right choice for you. Also, you can avoid allergic reactions since they do not contain any metals. On the down side, dental bridges made from these materials tend to be weaker.

Resin materials are very much in use because they can blend well with the surrounding teeth. But it’s a proven fact that they are prone to breaking and fractures.

Porcelain can be fused to different kinds of metal in order to form a natural-looking dental bridge or crown. However, after some time, slight discoloration may appear, which is why they are typically chosen for back teeth. If the porcelain is fused to zirconium, it is a good choice for front teeth.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Besides looking good, there are many reasons why you should go for dental bridges if you are in need of this kind of treatment. Restorative dental work is a good way of replacing any missing teeth and ensuring visible aesthetic improvement at the same time. Let’s not forget about their functionality and durability, too.

When you get your dental bridges done, you will be able to eat normally since there’ll no longer be a gap preventing you from chewing normally. If you missed a tooth or teeth that were important for proper speech, a dental bridge will let you speak with great confidence again. With the right choice of dental materials, your smile will again become brilliant, and your confidence will skyrocket.

Also, the structure of your mouth is important. It can be compromised by absence of teeth because a gap in the jaw can cause shifting of the remaining teeth, causing them to spread out. That, in turn, can cause problems when biting. Also, having a dental bridge can help you keep your facial structure seamless since it reduces bone loss risk.

A Final Word

If you need a dental bridge or are in need of any other dental intervention, make sure to be well-informed about it. The right choice of dental bridge material can save you a lot of time and money, so make sure you are doing a bit of research beforehand. And if you’re still here, you now have all the know-how you need to make the best choice in terms of dental bridge materials for your lasting oral health, comfort, and budget!

When you’re ready to get your dental bridges, you can check out this dentist Virginia Beach to get started.

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