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Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth in your
mouth. Dental bridges are fixed, in that they are cemented on the
supporting teeth, or in some cases fixed on the dental implant that
has been placed next to the missing teeth.
Importance of Replacing the Missing Teeth
Replacing the missing teeth will restore your ability to properly
chew and speak besides its cosmetic advantage; in addition the space
caused by the missing teeth may allow the surrounding teeth to shift
into that space. This shifting could cause a misalignment in your
bite that can result in problems with your jaw joint. These shifted
teeth are harder to clean, making them more susceptible to gum
disease, decay or even additional tooth loss.
The Dental Bridge Treatment
It normally takes two or more visits for your dentist to complete
your bridge. On your first visit the supporting teeth, which are
typically the ones on either side of the missing tooth, are
prepared. This is done to make room for the crowns that will slide
over the supporting teeth. These crowns also serve as holders of the
pontic, which is the missing tooth's replacement.
Next, an impression of the supporting teeth is made so a dental
laboratory can custom fit the bridge. Finally a temporary dental
bridge is inserted to protect the supporting teeth as well as the
space between them.
On your second visit the permanent bridge is placed and adjusted to
insure proper fit and function. If the fit of the bridge is
satisfactory your dentist will proceed with permanently cementing
the bridge into place.
Dental Bridge Post Treatment Expectations
After the successful completion of the bridge you may feel some
discomfort, mild pain when biting or sensitivity to temperature
changes for a few days. As advised by your dentist, you can take
over-the-counter pain medicine, such as Advil that contains
ibuprofen, to alleviate the discomfort. If these symptoms persist
more than a few days, visit your dentist.
Cleaning Your Dental Bridge
The longevity of your dental bridge depends in large part on the
quality of the material in the bridge, as well as your oral hygiene,
diet and the health of the supporting teeth and gums. Please ask
your dentist for proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Porcelain Crowns
As you age, your teeth age too. Decay, fillings, trauma or even just normal chewing habits can make your teeth break
down over time. A porcelain dental crown or a cap is a cover that is placed over a tooth to protect a weakened tooth
from further fracturing or deteriorating. A Porcelain crown could also be used to replace a discolored or badly shaped
tooth or protect a tooth that has had a root canal. Lastly, a new porcelain crown is necessary to simply replace an
old worn down or defective crown.
All porcelain crowns are generally considered the most aesthetic choice since they closely resemble the color and
appearance of your teeth. Porcelain continues to improve and in fact, there are newly developed porcelain materials,
such as zirconium and empress 2 that can better withstand the forces of chewing.
The Dental Crown Treatment
It normally takes two visits for your dentist to complete your crown. On your first visit, your dentist will shape and
prepare the tooth so the crown can properly fit over it. Next, an impression of the tooth is taken and a temporary
crown is inserted to protect the prepared tooth. This impression is then sent to a dental laboratory where a
custom-fit permanent crown is made.
On your second visit the permanent crown is placed. If the fit, shape and color of the crown are satisfactory your
dentist will proceed with permanently cementing it into place.
Porcelain Crown Post Treatment Expectations
After the successful completion of the crown it is not uncommon to feel some discomfort, mild pain when you chew, or
sensitivity to temperature changes for a few days. Also, if your newly cemented porcelain crown feels too tall or your
bite doesn’t feel right, you should contact your dentist.
Cleaning Your Crown
Please keep in mind that the longevity of your crown depends in large part on the materials in the crown, as well as
your oral hygiene, diet and the health of the supporting tooth and gums. It is important to maintain all of your teeth
with proper brushing and flossing.
Porcelain Crowns
A dental bridge is a false tooth (called a pontic) used to replace one or
more missing teeth. The pontic is centered between two attached porcelain crowns, to create a fixed bridge. The fixed
bridge is permanently cemented to the two teeth on either side of the tooth gap.
There are several different types of dental bridges. Your dentist or oral health specialist can recommend the most
appropriate one for your mouth condition and the location of the missing tooth or teeth:
 Traditional
bridge - a false tooth centered between two attached porcelain crowns
Resin bonded -
also known as a "Maryland" bridge, false teeth are fused together to metal bands and bonded to the back of the teeth
on either side of the gap. This type of bridge is ideal when the missing teeth are in the front of the mouth.
Cantilever a type of
bridge created to attach to only one tooth on either side of the tooth gap.
Also See:
Gold Crowns
Smile Shapers Dentist Office for
Family Dentistry and Cosmetic Dental Services is located at the
Forum at Gateways Center, on the Southwest Corner of Mound Road and
Hall Road (M-59) in Sterling Hts., Michigan. Serving Rochester and
Rochester Hills, Troy, Utica, Shelby Twp., Sterling Heights MI., and
all other surrounding Oakland & Macomb County communities in
Metropolitan Detroit's northern suburbs. |
