Teeth replacement treatments can completely change the way you smile, and the way you feel. At Radiant Smiles Dental Care, we believe that everyone deserves a smile they can be proud of. If you’re missing a few teeth and want to replace them, why not try out dental bridges in Albany?
What Are Dental Bridges?
In simple terms, dental bridges are false teeth placed to close a gap created by one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges are usually made from porcelain in order to create a natural look that blends in with the rest of your smile. However, many people also get their bridges made in gold, zirconium, silver, or other alloys.
Dental bridges are made by connecting two dental crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap. These two teeth are the anchors for the bridge, and they are referred to as the abutment teeth. The bridge (false teeth) will fall within the gap between these two abutments.
Types of Dental Bridges
- Traditional bridges: They involve placing a crown on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in the middle. Traditional bridges are the most frequently used type of bridge and typically consist of ceramics or porcelain fused to metal.
- Cantilever bridges: These are used when only one side of a missing tooth or teeth has adjacent teeth. These aren’t used very often nowadays, and they are not recommended for teeth at the back of the mouth, where they could damage adjoining teeth by putting too much pressure on them.
- Maryland bonded bridges: These are constructed out of porcelain, porcelain fused with metal, or plastic teeth and gums, which are supported by a porcelain or metal framework. Metal or porcelain wings are attached to your natural teeth on one side of the Maryland bridge.
- Implant-supported bridges: Whereas the other bridges use your natural teeth as anchors, implant-supported bridges (or implant-retained bridges) use two dental implants to support the bridge (crowns and pontic). Implant-supported bridges are regularly used to replace more than one missing tooth.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
Getting dental bridges can provide an array of advantages to patients who are missing important teeth, including:
- Restore speech ability: Speaking while missing teeth, or having gaps in your mouth, can hinder your ability to pronounce words properly. By filling the gaps with dental bridges and crowns, you will restore your ability to speak and be understood with ease.
- Restore the ability to chew food properly: Similarly, having missing teeth, especially molars, can greatly diminish your ability to chew food. Dental bridges distribute bite force more effectively, so they provide a simple solution to this problem.
- Maintain face shape: When you lose teeth, your jawbone may start to be impacted by bone loss. This may contribute to your face losing shape and starting to sag. By getting dental bridges, crowns, and implants, you may be able to restore bone health and maintain the natural shape of your face.
- Long-lasting and durable: Dental bridges are among the most durable dental treatments available. On average, dental bridges will last for about 15 years, and can last even longer with proper care and maintenance.
- Bring back a confident smile: We here at Radiant Smiles Dental Care understand that having missing teeth may cause patients to smile less. We believe that everyone deserves a full and confident smile, and dental bridges are one of many treatments that can bring that back!
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are a readily available treatment in Albany and Australia as a whole. However, there are a few things that a dentist may need to assess, in order to decide if you are a prime candidate for dental bridges:
- Missing teeth: Since dental bridges are a tooth replacement treatment, the ideal candidate would be missing between 1 and 4 teeth. If you’re missing more than 4 teeth, a treatment like dentures or a complete set of dental implants may be the best treatment for you.
- Good oral health: Having good oral hygiene, good gum health, and good jawbone health are all important for dental bridge installation. This is because the supporting abutment teeth need to be strong enough to anchor the dental bridge.
- Underlying conditions: The dentist may not be able to install dental bridges if a patient has any underlying periodontal (gum) diseases, infections, or low bone density. Many of these can be treated, so you may still be able to get a dental bridge after treatment.
At Radiant Smiles Dental Care, you will first consult with one of our friendly and experienced dentists before getting any treatment. They will conduct a full oral examination to determine the best treatment for you. Whether you’re getting dental bridges, veneers, or implants, you’ll leave with a smile to feel confident about!
What is the Procedure for Getting Dental Bridges in Albany?
Getting dental bridges will require you to come into Radiant Smiles Dental Care for more than one appointment. Luckily, we have a friendly and helpful staff that will be by your side throughout the entire procedure:
- Consultation and Examination: Before any actual dental surgery can take place, one of our experienced dentists will examine your mouth and missing teeth, in order to make a decision on treatment. You may need to go for an X-ray so that our dentists can get a full picture of your situation. Your mouth will be examined to see if your supporting teeth are strong enough to carry the dental bridge.
- Abutment Preparation: Once it has been determined that dental bridges are the right treatment for you, our dentists will begin preparing your abutment teeth. The two healthy, natural teeth on either side of the gap in your mouth will be filed down for fitment of the crowns and bridge.
- Bridge Installation: Once your abutment teeth are ready, your dental bridge can be installed. The dentist will fix the bridge to the prepared location in your mouth.
What Are the Alternatives to Dental Bridges at Radiant Smiles Dental Care?
At Radiant Smiles Dental Care, we offer several alternatives to dental bridges for you to consider. These options include dentures, which are removable false teeth, crowns to cover and protect your remaining teeth, and dental implants as a more permanent solution. Our team can help you choose the best option for your dental needs.
Visit Radiant Smiles Dental Care to Schedule an Appointment for Dental Bridges in Albany!
Radiant Smiles Dental Care is one of the leading dental clinics for dental bridges in Albany. We want to help you benefit from the great advantages offered by dental bridge treatment. Most of all, we want to give you the confident and beautiful smile that you’ve always dreamt of!
If you want to book an appointment with one of our great dentists don’t hesitate to contact us.
We offer the following payment plans:
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FAQs
To help remove irritants and oral bacteria from your dental bridges and tooth abutments, be sure to brush at least twice a day with fluoride-based toothpaste. Flossing once daily would also be great for hygiene and maintenance.
Dental bridges can be made and fitted by general dentists or a prosthodontist who specialises in the replacement and repair of missing and damaged teeth.
Our dentists usually recommend that patients wait between 8 and 12 weeks to get a dental bridge fitted after a tooth extraction. This is because when a tooth is extracted, it normally results in swelling and pain in the gums and jawbone.
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