How Dental Bridges Improve Oral Health

Dental bridges enhance oral health by replacing missing teeth, restoring proper chewing function and speech clarity, and maintaining facial structure. They prevent neighboring teeth from shifting, leading to bite misalignment and gum disease. Additionally, bridges support overall dental health by evenly distributing forces in the bite, preventing undue stress on surrounding teeth. This restoration improves aesthetics and promotes long-term oral hygiene by filling gaps and ensuring a balanced, functional smile. 

Are You a Candidate for Dental Bridges? 

• Dental bridges are primarily used to replace missing teeth. You could be a candidate if you have one or more missing teeth adjacent to each other. 

• For traditional and cantilever bridges, you need adjacent teeth that are healthy and strong enough to support the bridge structure. If these teeth have sufficient enamel and bone support, you may qualify. 

• Candidates for dental bridges should generally have good oral hygiene habits and healthy gums. This ensures the bridge's longevity and success. 

• Dental bridges can help restore your smile, improve chewing function, and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting.

Different Types of Dental Bridges 

Traditional Bridges

Traditional bridges are a common solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. They consist of one or more pontics (artificial teeth) held in place by dental crowns on either side of the gap. The adjacent teeth, called abutments, are prepared by reshaping them to fit crowns. These crowns serve as anchors for the bridge, with the pontic or pontics filling the space left by the missing tooth or teeth. Traditional bridges can be made from materials such as fused porcelain to metal, all-ceramic, or all-metal alloys. They are durable and offer a natural appearance, making them suitable for restoring function and aesthetics in areas of the mouth where adjacent teeth are strong and healthy enough to support the bridge. Contact us today to learn more.

Cantilever Bridges 

Cantilever bridges are designed for situations where there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. Similar to traditional bridges, they involve the placement of a pontic to fill the gap. However, unlike traditional bridges that require crowns on both sides of the gap, cantilever bridges are supported by a crown on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. This design choice is based on the principle that the bridge can effectively distribute chewing forces to the adjacent teeth without needing support on both sides. Cantilever bridges are often used in areas of the mouth where there is less stress on the bridge and where only one suitable adjacent tooth is available for support. 

Maryland Bonded Bridges

Maryland bonded bridges, also known as resin-bonded bridges, are a conservative alternative to traditional bridges, especially for replacing front teeth. They consist of plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal or porcelain framework. Unlike traditional bridges, Maryland bridges do not require reshaping or crowning of the adjacent teeth. Instead, resin cement binds the metal framework to the backs of the adjacent teeth. This adhesive bonding method makes Maryland bridges less invasive and preserves more of the natural tooth structure. They are suitable for areas of the mouth with minimal bite pressure and where the adjacent teeth are strong enough to support the bridge. However, they may not be as durable as traditional bridges and are typically used in specific aesthetic and functional situations. 

Implant-Supported Bridges 

Implant-supported bridges offer a stable and durable solution for replacing multiple missing teeth. Unlike traditional bridges that rely on adjacent teeth for support, implant-supported bridges are anchored by dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone by our dentist. The number of implants required depends on the size and location of the restored gap. Once the implants have integrated with the jawbone, they serve as sturdy anchors for the bridge. Implant-supported bridges provide several advantages, including improved stability, prevention of bone loss in the jaw, and restoration of chewing function and facial aesthetics. They are particularly beneficial when multiple adjacent teeth are missing, or adjacent natural teeth are not strong enough to support a traditional bridge. While more complex and costly than other bridges, implant-supported bridges offer long-term benefits and are considered a reliable treatment option for restoring a natural smile. 

The Role of Dental Bridges in Restoring Oral Health 

Firstly, dental bridges in Almaden, CA, effectively restore functionality to the mouth by filling in gaps left by missing teeth. This restoration allows individuals to chew food more effectively and speak clearly, significantly improving their quality of life. By distributing chewing forces evenly across the dental arch, bridges also help to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting out of place. This prevents potential issues with bite alignment and reduces the risk of further tooth loss over time. 

Secondly, dental bridges contribute to aesthetic enhancement by seamlessly blending with natural teeth. Bridges are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of existing teeth and provide a natural-looking solution that restores a complete smile. This aesthetic improvement can boost self-confidence and encourage individuals to smile more freely in social and professional settings. 

Moreover, dental bridges offer a stable and non-removable solution to tooth replacement. Bridges are fixed in place, unlike removable dentures, which may shift or require adhesives for stability. This stability not only enhances comfort but also simplifies daily oral hygiene routines. Regular brushing and flossing around the bridge, along with routine dental visits, help maintain oral health and prolong the lifespan of the restoration. 

Also, dental bridges can be a cost-effective option compared to dental implants, particularly for replacing one or several missing teeth. Getting a bridge is generally quicker and involves fewer surgical procedures than implants, making it a more accessible option for many patients. With proper care, dental bridges can last for many years, providing a durable and reliable solution for tooth replacement. 

Dental bridges are a reliable solution for restoring missing teeth and improving oral health and aesthetics. Visit the dentist in Almaden, CA, at AlmadenSmiles, Daljit Chhabra DMD, at 6541 Crown Boulevard Suite G, Almaden, CA 95120, or call (408) 268-4161 to schedule a consultation and discover if dental bridges are right for you.