Missing teeth can impact your eating abilities, confidence, and self-esteem. Living with missing teeth can be a challenge, especially when we live in a society that values a bright and beautiful smile. At Beacon Dental Group, dental bridges in Dorchester are a popular solution for missing teeth that can help restore your smile and improve your oral health.Â
Everyone deserves a healthy and confident smile, and we look forward to helping you achieve yours. To schedule a consultation with one of our highly respected dentists, Dr. Cressida Joseph, Dr. Cuthbert Joseph, Dr. Jacqueline Jacobson, or Dr. Danika Crabtree, give us a call. We’ll review your questions and help you understand dental bridges and how they can benefit you. We’ll work with you to find a convenient time and date that fits your schedule. Our team of skilled professionals is here to help.Â
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a custom-made prosthetic device used to replace missing teeth. It consists of two dental crowns on either side of the gap created by missing teeth anchored onto the adjacent teeth called abutment teeth. Artificial teeth are called pontics and can be made from various materials such as gold, porcelain, or alloys.
There are four types of dental bridges – traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported. Conventional bridges are the most common and use adjacent teeth as abutments. We use cantilever bridges when there is only one adjoining tooth present. Maryland bridges are made of a porcelain or metal framework bonded to the back of the surrounding teeth. Implant-supported bridges are more stable and involve inserting a dental implant into the jawbone for support.
Dental bridges offer several benefits, including improving your smile, speech, and bite function. Missing teeth can cause facial sagging, and dental bridges help maintain your facial structure. Additionally, they can prevent the remaining teeth from shifting, which can cause dental problems down the line. Dental bridges also have a long lifespan (10-15 years or longer) and can significantly boost your confidence and self-esteem.
The Steps Involved with Dental Bridge Placement
The process of dental bridge placement typically involves the following Steps.
Consultation and Evaluation: The first step in getting a dental bridge is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth and mouth to determine whether a dental bridge is the best treatment option. If they decide that a dental bridge is right for you, they’ll provide information about the different types of dental bridges available and help you decide which one is best for your needs.
Preparation of Abutment Teeth: Once you and your dentist have decided on the type of dental bridge to use, the next step is to prepare the abutment teeth. These are the teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth. Your dentist may need to remove some of the enamel from these teeth to make room for the dental bridge. They may also shape the abutment teeth to prepare them for dental bridge placement.
Impression and Fabrication of the Dental Bridge: After your abutment teeth are prepared, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth to create a model of your teeth. We will use this impression to fabricate the dental bridge. Your dentist will send the impression to a dental laboratory, where technicians will use it to create a custom-made dental bridge that fits your mouth perfectly.
Placement of the Dental Bridge: Once your dental bridge is ready, you’ll return to the dental office for placement. Your dentist will place the dental bridge over the abutment teeth and secure it using dental cement. They may also adjust to ensure the dental bridge fits comfortably in your mouth and feels natural.
Follow-Up Visits: After we place your dental bridge, you’ll need to schedule follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor its progress and ensure it’s functioning correctly. Your dentist may also provide instructions on how to care for your dental bridge to ensure its longevity.
Quality Dental Bridges in Dorchester, Massachusetts
By opting for dental bridges, you can achieve a beautiful, natural-looking smile while enjoying the benefits of better oral health. At Beacon Dental Group, we offer comprehensive dental care services that include dental bridges.Â
Our experienced and skilled dentists will help you choose the best type of dental bridge to suit your needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward your improved dental health.