Bridges allow a person to have their missing teeth replaced so their smile is made complete. These fill in the gaps of the smile and can be placed anywhere. Knowing what to expect from the appointment will allow individuals to be fully prepared.
The Dentist Can Replace Missing Teeth
When a person is missing a tooth, it can cause them to feel self-conscious about their appearance, especially when the tooth is missing from the front of the smile. Bridges consist of two abutments or crowns and one or more pontic which is the artificial teeth that replace the ones that are missing.
Before a person can receive their treatment, they will need to have their smile prepared. The dentist will need to shape the teeth that lie on either side of the missing tooth or teeth. These will be rounded and made slightly smaller so they will be able to be covered with crowns.
Once the teeth have been prepared, the dentist will make impressions of the patient’s smile. These impressions will be used by the dental lab so the bridgework can be created specifically for the patient. This is vital for a proper fit and a natural look.
How are the Teeth Replaced?
Once the bridge work has been created, the dentist will check for fit with a dry fitting. This will temporarily cement the piece in place to ensure it fits precisely, feels comfortable, and does not interfere with a person’s bite. Some dentists will have their patient wear this temporarily for a couple of weeks and then report back for the final cementing.
Once a bridge has been put in place, it will typically last about fifteen years. It will require routine maintenance to be sure it does not experience any damage over that period of time.
If you are missing some of your teeth and would like to learn more about this procedure, visit us. They offer a wide range of dental services to help their patients keep healthy and beautiful smiles for life. Call the office right away if you would like to schedule a consultation appointment to see if you are a good candidate. With a bridge, your smile will be made complete.
