What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap between adjacent teeth. They are called bridges because they literally bridge the gap created by missing teeth. Here are the key aspects of dental bridges:
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Types of Dental Bridges:
- Traditional Bridges: These are the most common type of bridges and consist of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by dental crowns (abutments) on either side of the gap. The crowns are cemented onto the natural teeth adjacent to the gap, anchoring the bridge in place.
- Cantilever Bridges: These bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the gap. The pontic is supported by a single dental crown cemented to one natural tooth adjacent to the gap.
- Maryland Bridges (Resin-Bonded Bridges): These bridges use a metal or porcelain framework with wings that are bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth with a special resin cement. Maryland bridges are typically used for replacing front teeth.
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Materials:
- Porcelain: Porcelain bridges are popular due to their natural appearance and ability to blend with surrounding teeth.
- Porcelain-fused-to-Metal (PFM): These bridges have a metal substructure covered with porcelain for added strength.
- Metal: Bridges made entirely of metal (such as gold or other alloys) are extremely durable and are often used in areas of the mouth where forces from chewing are greatest.
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Procedure:
- Consultation: Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums, take X-rays, and discuss the best bridge option for you.
- Preparation: During the first visit, the adjacent teeth (abutments) are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to make room for crowns.
- Impressions: Impressions or digital scans of your teeth are taken to create a custom bridge that fits your mouth perfectly.
- Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge may be placed while the permanent bridge is being fabricated in a dental laboratory.
- Placement: In the final visit, the temporary bridge is removed, and the permanent bridge is cemented or bonded into place.
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Benefits:
- Restored Functionality: Bridges restore the ability to chew and speak properly.
- Aesthetic Improvement: Bridges improve the appearance of your smile by filling in gaps left by missing teeth.
- Preservation of Oral Health: By replacing missing teeth, bridges help maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth and prevent them from shifting out of position.
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Care: Proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing around the bridge, regular dental check-ups, and professional cleanings, is essential to ensure the longevity of your dental bridge.
Dental bridges are a reliable and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, improving both dental function and appearance. Your dentist can help determine if a dental bridge is the best treatment option for your specific needs.
FAQs about Dental Bridges
1. How Long Do Bridges Last?
Bridges are designed to last many years with good care. On average, they can last between 5-15 years, or even longer. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene practices, and avoiding hard foods can extend their lifespan.
2. Will My Bridge Look Natural?
Absolutely! At Smile Delight Dental Clinic, we customize each crown and bridge to match your natural teeth in color, size, and shape, providing a seamless and natural look.
3. What Materials Are Used For Bridges ?
Different materials can be used for crowns and bridges, including porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or full gold. The choice depends on the location of the missing tooth, its function, aesthetic considerations, and cost.
4. Are Bridges Better Than Dental Implants?
It’s not a matter of which is better, but rather which is more suitable for your particular situation. Both treatments have their pros and cons. Bridges are a faster solution and require fewer procedures, while implants are more durable and preserve bone. Your dentist will help you make the best decision based on your oral health needs.
5. Will I Experience Pain During The Bridge Procedure?
Most patients report feeling very little discomfort during the procedure. Anesthesia is used to numb the area being treated, so you shouldn’t feel any pain. Some minor sensitivity or discomfort may be experienced after the procedure, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and should subside within a few days.
Inquiry - Dental Bridges
3 months ago
Highly recommended! During my first visit to Smile Delight, I was impressed by Dr. Tee's expertise. The wisdom tooth extraction was thoroughly explained and completely painless. I'm truly grateful for the excellent care!
3 months ago
I had a wonderful experience with excellent treatment and a pleasant environment. The doctor was friendly and professional. Highly recommended!
3 months ago
I recently visited Smile Delight Dental Clinic for a scaling procedure, and I couldn't be happier. The staff were incredibly friendly and ensured my comfort the entire time. My teeth feel fantastic now. I highly recommend their services!
3 months ago
Got a great treatment here. Doctor and staff are very friendly. It is a nice environment and the technology they have are up to date. Highly recommended to you guys.
3 months ago
The doctor here is very experienced. I recently had my wisdom tooth extraction here and everything went well. Will recommend to my friends and family.
4 months ago
My filling experience was highly positive and exceeded my expectations. The dentist's skill and attentiveness ensured a painless procedure, making me feel comfortable and at ease throughout the visit. I strongly recommend their services to anyone in need of dental care!
4 months ago
Excellent service from doctor and nurse! Would definitely visit again, environment was clean, registration and everything went pretty smoothly
4 months ago
Dr. Tee rescued me from a severe toothache with a painless root canal. His gentle approach and expertise made all the difference. Highly recommended!
4 months ago
I'm grateful to Smile Delight Dental Clinic for being so accommodating. Despite it being past their working hours, they helped me with my toothache. Highly recommended!
4 months ago
Dr. Tee offered a gentle and knowledgeable consultation. Clear treatment plan and pricing were provided upfront. I highly recommend his services!
4 months ago
I had a scaling done at Smile Delight, and it was awesome! The staff were super friendly, the whole thing was painless, and my teeth feel so much cleaner now. I totally recommend their top-notch scaling services.
5 months ago
good service
5 months ago
I visited the clinic for a dental check-up, during which the dentist took photographs of my teeth to illustrate and explain the procedure prior to treatment. I am satisfied with the outcome of my teeth filling.
5 months ago
It's been quite some time since I last visited a dental clinic, and I was really nervous about it. Thankfully, the doctor and the staff were incredibly comforting and helped ease my fears. The treatment turned out to be painless, so I'm very happy with the experience!
5 months ago
I took my mom to get dentures here. It was a very comfortable and pleasant experience because the doctor was gentle and polite. Very satisfied!
5 months ago
I had scaling and air polishing done here, and I am thrilled with the outcome! The dentist was excellent, making my teeth feel fresh and clean. I highly recommend their top-notch services for a sparkling smile!
5 months ago
I had an excellent dental experience. The tooth extraction process was effortless, and the dentist was both gentle and highly skilled. I highly recommend their services.
5 months ago
Came here for tooth extraction and it went smoothy. The doctor was very good and made sure I was comfortable during the procedure and also made sure to explained everything clearly and in detail. Felt minimal pain throughout the procedure and my recovery was quick. Very satisfied with their services.
5 months ago
I recently got my wisdom tooth extracted here at Smile Delight. The doctor is very professional. He explained in detail the whole procedure before extraction. Everything was done smoothly with no issue, highly recommend!
5 months ago
I'm very satisfied with the filling donehere. Procedure itself was painless and everyone including staff and doctor were accommodating and friendly. I highly recommend their services!
6 months ago
Excellent dentist, truly a wonderful and painless experience by Dr. Lam. Thank you very much and will definitely recommend to others.
7 months ago
I recently had my tooth extraction here. Really happy with the good service and price is also reasonable price. I definitely will come back again.
7 months ago
I came here for simple polishing and scaling session but was rewarded with a great and informative consulting session in dental care. The doctor provided a thorough explanation on the condition of my teeth and advised with suggestions on how to take good and better care.
7 months ago
Good dentist and good staff
7 months ago
Finally I'm going to start my braces jouney here, so excited!. During consultation, it was very well explained and detailed. The price itself was very reasonable. Can't wait!
7 months ago
Had a great root canal treatment experience. Dentist is skilled, procedure is painless and staff is friendly. Highly recommend.
8 months ago
Had my Root canel treatment here. Nice and patience dentist. His explanation very details. Staff also very friendly. Good experince in this clinic.
9 months ago
Outstanding rct experience. Dentist is skillful and made the procedure painless. Highly recommended this clinic for everyone.
10 months ago
Great experience at Smile delight. Done my scaling here. Explanation from doctor is clean and details. Good clinic
10 months ago
Service very nice, explaination also clear!
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