For
many reasons, one may lose a tooth or some teeth. Having a gap may not only impinge
upon the self-esteem ─ having missing teeth could mean that some teeth may move
out of position, leading to chewing and biting issues.
A
dental solution that your dentist could suggest is a dental bridge. This consists
of one or two fabricated crowns, which will cover the teeth or the implants
either side of the gap. These crowns act as dental-bridge anchors, providing a
false tooth to fill the gap.
Fabricated
crowns are made in dental laboratories. Crowns will match your own teeth and
look as realistic as possible. In some cases, these crowns or false teeth are
not made of porcelain, but out of alloys, gold, or a combination of these
materials.
Your
dentist can select between three main types of dental bridges. These include:
1 Traditional bridges. The dentist will
make use of a crown for the teeth or implants either side of the gap, with a
false tooth in between. Commonly, the bridges are made of either porcelain
fused onto metal, or of ceramics.
2 Your dentist will use cantilever
bridges if there are teeth only on one side of the gap. This sort of dental
bridge is not routinely used, not being very strong. It will also not be placed
at the back of the mouth, as it may be damaged by chewing.
3 Another option your dentist may
suggest is a resin-bonded bridge, also called a Maryland bridge. This dental
bridge is made of porcelain fused to metal, porcelain, or even plastic teeth
that are supported on a metal or porcelain frame.
The
process of acquiring a dental bridge
This
is an invasive procedure, in that parts of your healthy teeth that will form
the anchors, will need to be prepared. Parts of those teeth will be removed to
make space for the crown to be attached.
After
some of the enamel has been removed, an impression of the teeth will be made.
The dental laboratory will then make the temporary model that includes the
bridge, the false tooth, and crowns. This temporary bridge will be applied
while waiting for the laboratory to make the new, permanent bridge.
Once
the bridge has been completed, you will then need to return to your dentist,
who will fit the bridge by cementing it in place. The dentist will check that
the bridge fits perfectly. It is possible that you might have to return several
times, until the bridge fits 100% correctly.
Recovery
time
Obtaining
dental bridges may be a lengthy process: you will need to wait for the bridges
to be manufactured. Then there are
painful procedures at each of the various stages. The recovery time is rather
lengthy, however, it is manageable.
During
the first visit, when the anchor teeth are prepared, you will experience some
pain for which your dentist will prescribe painkillers. This pain will diminish
after a few days.
After
first the temporary and then the final bridges are fitted, you may experience a
problem when eating. It is best is to eat soft food at first, however, do eat foods
like healthy soup, or cut your food into small pieces or process it. A healthy
diet is important in speeding up your recovery.
Complications
The
lifespan of a dental bridge is roughly 5 to 15 years. Bad dental health will
reduce this time span, while proper dental care, with regular dental check-ups
can extend the lifespan of your bridges.
Dental
bridges come with certain issues. In that they are not removable, it is difficult
to keep them clean. In addition, when the bridge is attached, some enamel will
be removed from your own teeth: such enamel cannot be replaced. More
problematic is that the bridge will be dependent on the teeth it is attached
to. If for some reason those teeth decay, your bridge will collapse. It is
therefore important that you go for regular check-ups. Because cleaning your
bridge is difficult, your risk of decay in the adjoining teeth is high.

Comments
Post a Comment