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Dr Jess Wong
Missing teeth can affect more than just your smile, they can also impact how you speak, chew, and even how your jaw aligns. Fortunately, dental bridges offer a reliable, long-lasting solution to restore your smile and improve oral health. In this blog post, we’ll break down the 5 Ws of Dental Bridges: Who, What, Why, When, and Where, so you can understand how they maybenefit you.
1. WHO Needs a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is recommended for people who are missing one or more teeth due to decay, injury, or extraction. You may be a good candidate for a dental bridge if:
- You have missing teeth: A dental bridge can fill gaps caused by missing teeth.
- You have healthy surrounding teeth: Strong adjacent teeth are needed to support the bridge.
- You want a permanent, non-removable solution: Unlike dentures, bridges are fixed in place.
- You are not suitable for an implant: Sometimes an implant just isn’t going to work, depending on the location of the missing tooth or if there isn’t enough bone density or quality.
2. WHAT Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a custom-made dental appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the gap between your remaining natural teeth. It consists of:
- Pontics (False Tooth/ Teeth): These are the artificial teeth that fill the gap. They are typically made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal and are usually designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
- Abutment Teeth (Anchor Teeth): These are the natural teeth on either side of the gap that support the bridge. Crowns are placed over these teeth to hold the bridge securely in place.
There are several types of dental bridges, including:
- Traditional Bridges: Supported by crowns on both sides.
- Cantilever Bridges: Supported by a crown on only one side (used when there’s only one tooth next to the gap).
- Maryland Bridges: Attached to the back of adjacent teeth using metal or porcelain wings.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth.
3. WHY Get a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges offer several important benefits, including:
- Restoring Your Smile: Filling in gaps can restore your appearance and confidence.
- Improving Chewing and Speaking: Missing teeth can make eating and speaking difficult; a bridge restores functionality.
- Preventing Teeth Shifting: When a tooth is missing, nearby teeth can shift into the empty space, causing misalignment and jaw problems.
- Maintaining Facial Structure: Missing teeth can lead to facial sagging over time, but bridges help maintain your facial structure.
- Long-Lasting Results: With proper care, a dental bridge can last 10-15 years or more, making it a worthwhile long-term investment in your oral health.
4. WHEN Should You Get a Dental Bridge?
The best time to get a dental bridge is soon after losing a tooth or having one extracted. The longer the gap is left unfilled, the greater the risk of:
- Teeth shifting: Nearby teeth may move or tilt into the gap, causing misalignment.
- Bone loss: Without tooth roots stimulating the jawbone, bone loss may occur.
- Gum problems: Gaps in your smile can increase the risk of gum disease and infection.
5. WHERE Can You Get a Dental Bridge?
You can get a custom-made dental bridge at Mascot Dental Clinic. Our experienced dental team will:
- Evaluate your oral health with a comprehensive exam and X-rays.
- Discuss your treatment goals and the best type of bridge for your needs.
- Custom-design your bridge to match your natural teeth for a seamless, natural-looking smile.
- Provide ongoing care and advice on how to maintain your dental bridge for long-term success.
Conclusion
A dental bridge can restore the appearance and functionality of your teeth, helping you smile, eat, and speak with confidence. If you’re missing teeth and considering a dental bridge, let the team at Mascot Dental Clinic guide you through the process from consultation to treatment.
Contact Us today to book your appointment and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile!