Missing Teeth?????.....Get Fixed Teeth Replacement/ Dental Bridges to get them back

A dental bridge is a method to fill a gap created by a missing tooth (or teeth). Dental bridge or pontic is a custom-made false tooth or teeth, which are permanently placed between two healthy teeth, filling the area left by a missing tooth or teeth. The bridge is held in place by crowns(caps) placed on the healthy teeth on each side of space to be filled.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

• Restores your smile
• Restores your ability to properly chew and speak
• Maintains the shape of your face
• Distributes the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
• Prevents remaining teeth from drifting out of position
• Helps preserve the natural function and position of the teeth
• Restores and maintains natural bite

Types of Dental Bridges

1. Traditional bridges

Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between. Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge.

2. Cantilever bridges

Cantilever bridges are usually used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth.

3. Maryland bridges

Marlyland bridges also called a resin-bonded bridges or a Maryland bonded bridges. Maryland bridges are supported by a metal framework. Metal wings on each side of the bridge are bonded to the back of existing adjacent teeth.

Types of Dental Bridge Materials
There are three basic types of materials for dental bridges:

1. Porcelain fused to metal dental bridges
2. All porcelain dental bridges
3. All metal dental bridges

The all porcelain dental bridges and porcelain fused to metal (PFM) dental bridges are tooth colored bridges. PFM dental bridges are usually used to restore back teeth where the forces of chewing and grinding are strongest. All porcelain dental bridges are the most aesthetic and are used almost exclusively for front teeth where the need for strength is not as critical. Metal dental bridges are the most durable and offer the most precise fit. Metal dental bridges do not chip.

The porcelain bridges used at Vitaldent Advanced Dental Clinic include the IPS Empress Esthetics crowns from Ivoclar Vivadent and Procera NobelEsthetics from Nobel Biocare.

Procedure for Dental Bridges Treatment

The course of treatment described here is for traditional bridges, one of several options available at our dental clinic. Consult your dentist to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.

1.    First evaluation and bridge tooth preparation

• Local anesthesia is first administered at the region of bridge tooth preparation.
• The natural teeth adjacent to the missing gap are reshaped to receive the dental bridge.
• Records are taken and approved with the patient to determine the color, bite, length and shape of the bridge.
• An impression is taken for a replica model of the teeth.
• This model is sent to a lab where the individualized bridge is fabricated.
• A temporary bridge is placed on whilst the permanent bridge is made.

2.    Fitting of bridge on delivery

• The temporary bridge is removed.
• The permanent bridge is fitted and cemented into place on the teeth.
• A quality assurance check is done for any re-adjustments or re-works of the dental bridge.

3.    Care of bridge

• Brush and floss the bridge as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist

Recovery Expectations

Both the preparation and placement of the temporary bridge as well as the bonding of the permanent bridge may cause some minor tenderness in the area. Some individuals may experience sensitivity in teeth. This sensitivity will disappear gradually over a few days to weeks.

Post care Instructions for Dental Bridges

It is important to keep your remaining teeth healthy and strong as the success of the bridge depends upon them. The bridge depends on the solid foundation offered by the surrounding teeth.

1. Avoid chewing on or eating hard foods on the restorations for 24 hours from the time they were cemented.
2. To help with discomfort or swelling rinse your mouth with luke warm salt water. (1tsp. of salt in 8oz of water)
3. Keep crown area clean to maintain tissue compatibility (the contour of the prosthesis must allow the surrounding tissue to conform to a natural, healthy position)
4. Some sensitivity in teeth may be experienced by certain patients. This sensitivity will disappear gradually over a few days to weeks. If teeth are sensitive :

• Avoid hot, cold or acidic food and beverages.
• For pain - medication be taken as directed.
• Use fluoride rinse and toothpaste for sensitivity teeth.
• Clean teeth properly.

Care for Dental Bridges

Dental bridges require the same regular and consistent home and professional dental care, as your natural teeth to prevent decay at the tooth-dental crown junction. To provide optimum longevity for your restorations, please follow the home care tips below:

1. Brush after eating and before bedtime around the bridge with a soft toothbrush, especially where the bridge meets the gum line. At the gum line harmful bacteria can be harbored to cause decay and gum disease.
2. Floss at least once to twice a day. Use the proxy brush or floss to remove plaque under and around these areas to maintain good oral hygiene.
3. Rinse with fluoride rinse before bed. Swish the fluoride rinse vigorously in your mouth for at least one minute. Do not swallow any of the rinse and do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes.
4. Be careful about chewing caramel toffees, gums, grainy rolls and tough food in this area.

See us for regular professional check-ups and cleanings.