There are different reasons why you may lose your teeth as an adult. This may be a result of infusion, illness, tooth decay or injury. Whatever it is, this event can greatly affect your self-esteem. Aside from that, it can also make it more difficult for you to speak or to eat. The good news is that there are different ways on how you can restore your smile. Dental bridges, introduced as a permanent solution for this problem, are one of the options you can consider.
Is it really necessary to replace missing teeth?
There are different reasons why dentists would give their patients the advice to replace missing teeth. One of the most important reasons is that it can leave a gap between the remaining teeth. Aside from that, there are also some health risks that you may experience if you are not going to replace your missing teeth.
Firstly, it can result in an uncomfortable bite. The adjacent teeth will also move. Aside from these visible results, you can also expect to develop gum disease and your jawbone may also deteriorate. This then results in the sunken appearance of your face. If you do not want any of the mentioned negative effects to happen to you, consider getting it done.
How do dental bridges work?
From the term itself, dental bridges work in such a way that they connect the gap between the remaining teeth. This is one way to restore a missing tooth with the use of a permanent replacement. The remaining teeth on the sides are going to be used as anchors to ensure that the bridge is in its place.
There are two parts of the bridge. First, you have a permanent replacement tooth. This is the one used to fill in the gap. Aside from that, there will be crowns that are going to be attached to the existing teeth. The number of crowns needed depends also on the number of missing teeth. Dental bridges function like real teeth. It is one way to effectively restore your smile.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Here are the different benefits of dental bridges:
- Lasts for a long time, it is permanent
Unlike other solutions, bridges are permanent. You do not have to worry about it being taken off while you are talking or eating. You can be comfortable while you do these activities because you know that the bridges work like permanent teeth.
- Promotes gum health
Your gum health is very important if you want to ensure complete oral health. Having a gap in between your teeth for a long time may cause gum problems that you surely do not want to deal with. Bridges can help you protect your gums and maintain the position of your remaining teeth.
- Prevent bone loss
With bridges, you can ensure that you will be able to prevent bone loss in the jaw area. This is very important because it can help your remaining teeth stay in place. It will also help you avoid a misaligned bite. And finally, you will not experience difficulty in chewing.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are three types of dental bridges that you can choose from:
- Traditional Bridges
This is the most common type of bridge and it is made of porcelain, ceramic or metal. With this, a crown for the implant is created on either side of the gap.
- Resin-bonded Bridges
This is also known as the Maryland bridge. This is made of porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. For some, it is made of plastic teeth where a porcelain framework is used to support the gums. The porcelain wings or metal is bonded to the existing teeth.
- Cantilever Bridges
This option is for those who have adjacent teeth available only on one side. It is not a common option. This is not recommended if the missing tooth is at the back part of the mouth because the pressure may damage the other remaining teeth.
Caring for Bridges
Here are the different ways on how you should care for your dental bridges:
- Brush twice a day
Brushing twice a day will help you lessen the decay of the remaining teeth. And with that, you will also be able to avoid the build-up of bacteria in your mouth. In brushing, it is recommended for you to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily
The main goal of flossing is to remove the food debris that is left in the parts of the gums and teeth that cannot be reached when brushing. Flossing will help you maintain your bridges. It is something that you should be doing on a regular basis just like brushing.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash
Bacteria build up in the mouth should be dealt with on another level. You should always consider other ways aside from brushing and flossing. Using an antiseptic mouthwash is safe and effective to maintain the strength of your bridges. This is also a great way to deal with other oral issues.
- Keeping a regular cleaning schedule
Now that you have considered a treatment for your missing teeth, you also need to consider regular consultation with your dentist at Skymark Smile Centre. A regular cleaning schedule is given to ensure that your teeth are free from anything that can cause negative effects to your bridges. Make sure to allow time for such. This is vital in ensuring the strength and maintenance of your dental bridges.
Missing teeth problems are common among adults. Choosing the best treatment is the best way to deal with the negative effects of such. You can always regain that smile and you will certainly be able to eat and laugh comfortably. All you need to do is to choose a permanent solution. With that, dental bridges are surely the best option you can consider. As compared to the temporary solutions offered by dentists, you can be sure that you will get your money’s worth with this option.
