Missing even just one tooth can be debilitating to your confidence and health, let alone missing multiple teeth or a whole arch. Dentures can help, but they can be difficult to clean and often shift in place, making it difficult to chew certain foods or cause you to slur your words.
A complete fixed bridge avoids these difficulties while giving you teeth that are not just as good as your natural teeth, but actually better.
Come see us at Pacific Modern Dentistry if you'd like to learn more about dental bridges.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a restorative dental appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap left behind by the missing teeth.
It consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by dental crowns (abutments) attached to the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap.
The primary function of a dental bridge is to replace missing teeth, restoring the appearance and function of the patient's smile.
This is especially important for individuals who have lost teeth due to injury, decay, or other dental issues.
A dental bridge evenly distributes the force of biting and chewing across the abutment teeth and the bridge, reducing excessive pressure on the remaining natural teeth.
Dental bridges are designed to look natural and aesthetically pleasing.
They enhance the appearance of the smile, filling the gap left by missing teeth and preventing the sunken facial appearance that can occur with tooth loss.
Types of Bridges and Materials Used
In addition to deciding what your bridge will be made of, you also have the option of choosing between different types of dental bridges.
Most bridges are fixed bridges, like the type described above that utilizes crowns to anchor single the pontic tooth, or multiple teeth.
A type of tooth bridge that does not use crowns is called a Maryland bridge, also known as a resin-bonded bridge.
This bridge preserves your natural teeth because it uses a bonded framework of porcelain or metal, rather than crowns which require the underlying teeth to be filed down and shaped.
Are You a Good Fit for an Anterior Bridge?
If you are missing one or more of your front teeth, or your front teeth are afflicted with severe and advanced disease or damage, then an anterior bridge can radically transform both your oral health and your smile.
What You Can Expect When Getting a Bridge Placed?
Having a dental bridge placed typically requires at least two visits to our office.
The first visit entails preparing your mouth for the bridge and taking an impression that we will use to fabricate the custom-fitted bridge.
While the bridge is being fabricated, you will receive a temporary bridge to protect your mouth and give you full functionality.
Once your permanent bridge is complete, you can come back and we will place it for you.
Dental Bridge in Seattle
Contact Pacific Modern Dentistry today at (206)284-4505 to schedule your appointment.
