Who Should Get Dental Bridges?

Dental health plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts to practice good dental hygiene, it is sometimes impossible to avoid complications. Tooth decay, dental cavities, and gum disease can develop and often result in the loss of natural teeth, especially when left unchecked.

If you feel self-conscious or embarrassed about a gap in your teeth, you might consider a dental bridge to help improve the overall appearance of your teeth. Dr. Matthew Ward at Bay City Dental Center offers considerable knowledge and expertise on various dental treatments and procedures to help you restore your smile and reach optimal dental health and function in Bay City, MI.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a type of fixed prosthetic appliance. It consists of a single artificial tooth or multiple artificial teeth placed between natural supporting teeth reinforced with crowns to improve the stability and strength of the unit as a whole. The oral prosthesis literally “bridges the gap” created by tooth loss to enhance the contour of your teeth and protect exposed gums, helping to prevent more damage to the underlying bones.

What can you expect when getting a dental bridge?

Typically, getting a dental bridge placed can be completed in two visits. The first visit involves taking accurate dental impressions to ensure the proper fit of the appliance and precise alignment around your teeth and current bite. The exact mold is obtained digitally with a specialized scanner and sent to a dental laboratory responsible for creating your dental appliance based on your unique characteristics.

Next, the adjacent, healthy teeth (i.e., the two teeth on either side of the gap) are filed down in preparation for crown placement at the next visit. This process is virtually painless because a local anesthetic will be given, keeping you as comfortable as possible. You will then go home with a temporary bridge because it takes about two weeks for the new bridge to be ready.

Once the dental bridge is ready for placement, the second visit primarily involves the bonding process. The unit is carefully applied with a dental adhesive to keep it in place after ensuring that you are satisfied with your prosthesis's color, shape, and contour.

Who are the most likely candidates for a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is an excellent option if you have lost one or more teeth. It effectively corrects the gap, improving your teeth's overall appearance and smile. In addition to its aesthetic benefit, a dental bridge can enhance chewing efficiency and improve speech problems caused by missing teeth.

A dental bridge may be right for you if:

• You prefer a less invasive approach to correct a gap, especially multiple consecutive teeth.

• Your adjacent teeth that support the appliance are healthy. A dental bridge might not be feasible if the supporting teeth have cracks, fillings, or root canals. A longer-spanning bridge puts more force on the supporting teeth, and if any damage is present, the bridge will fail.

• You prefer a permanent, nonremovable device. A dental bridge stays in place and can last 10 – 15 years with proper care.

• You have stubborn gum disease. Unlike dental implants, a bridge sits directly on the gumline instead of being implanted individually into the gum tissue.

Get help correcting misaligned teeth in Bay City, MI

If you are ready to find your natural smile, call for a consultation with Dr. Matthew Ward to help you determine if a dental bridge is the right solution for your dental restoration needs. If you reside near Bay City, Saginaw, or Midland, MI, Bay City Dental Center is here to help.