Oh, dental bridges, what a lovely thing they are! Not only does this prosthetic significantly improve the functionality of your smile but the cosmetic appearance of it too. Dentists often recommend receiving a dental bridge for patients who are missing one or multiple teeth.
To learn more about dental bridges in Okotoks, get in touch with our local dental practice!
What are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic that’s custom-made to satisfy your oral dimensions and fit in your mouth perfectly. This is done by taking a series of X-rays and impressions of your teeth and gums. The device can be placed anywhere in your mouth and restores your ability to talk, laugh, and eat properly.
Just like with dental fillings, veneers, and crowns, dental bridges can be fabricated from a variety of different materials. This includes metals like gold and silver, porcelain, ceramic, and composite resin. If you want your dental bridge to blend in with the rest of your natural teeth, porcelain, resin, and ceramic are three great choices. Porcelain, in particular, is very resistant to stains left behind by foods and drinks.
For more information about receiving dental bridges near you, contact us today!
The Types of Dental Bridges
There are four main types of dental bridges.
Before receiving any type of oral prosthetic, always be sure to book a consultation with a dentist in Okotoks. They’ll be able to identify whether you’re an ideal candidate for this process, or if another route would be more appropriate in order to fix your smile. Your dentist will also be able to address any concerns or questions you might have.
Each type of dental bridge is described below:
1. A traditional dental bridge.
Also referred to as a fixed bridge, a traditional dental bridge consists of an artificial tooth (pontic) and dental crowns. The tooth fills in the space in your smile, and the dental crowns act as abutments. They attach to your neighboring teeth to keep the bridge in position.
A traditional bridge is the most common type of dental bridge.
2. Cantilever dental bridge.
This specific dental bridge is a great option to keep in mind if you’re missing teeth at the back of your mouth. Why? Because cantilever bridges only attach to a single natural tooth.
3. Maryland dental bridge.
Dentists recommend this device to those who are missing teeth at the front of their mouth. Maryland dental bridges are often created from porcelain-fused-to-metal. They’re similar to a traditional dental bridge because they utilize two of your natural teeth to anchor the device in place.
4. Implant-supported dental bridge.
Lastly, we have the implant-supported bridge. As evident by its name, this prosthetic incorporates dental implants to fill in the gaps in your smile. One implant screw is inserted into each space, where it will fuse with your jawbone over time. This establishes a very secure foundation for your teeth.
You’ll need to visit the dentist on a couple of different occasions to receive the procedure. During the first appointment, the screws will be placed. Your mouth will need a certain amount of time to heal before you can return to have the bridge installed.
The cost of receiving a dental bridge can vary; the extent of care that you require, the type of bridge, the kind of material used, and the state of your oral health are all factors that can influence your treatment. Talk to a dentist near you and your dental insurance provider for more details.
Are you looking to receive a dental bridge? We’ve got you covered! At Cornerstone Dental Wellness, our staff is here to accommodate you and your oral health needs. You deserve to love your smile, and we want to help make that a reality. Call or visit our website today to get started!
