Losing a tooth can make eating and talking feel a bit different. When looking for a reliable dental clinic in Vancouver, many people find that a bridge is an excellent way to fill a gap. A bridge is a custom-made replacement that stays in the mouth and looks like real teeth. It uses the healthy teeth on either side of a space to support a fake tooth in the middle.
What Is A Dental Bridge?
A bridge is a fixed piece of dental work that stays in the mouth at all times. It is called a bridge because it literally bridges the gap created by one or more missing teeth. The structure consists of two crowns that fit over the natural teeth on each side of the space. These supporting teeth are called abutment teeth. A fake tooth, known as a pontic, sits in the centre to complete the smile.
What Are The Benefits Of Dental Bridges?
Choosing to fix a gap in the mouth offers more than just a better look. There are several benefits of dental bridges that help with overall health:
- Improved Chewing: You can eat your favourite foods again without any trouble.
- Clear Speech: Filling a gap helps you say words the right way and speak clearly.
- Face Shape: Bridges give support to your cheeks and lips, which keeps your face from looking hollow or sunken.
- Bite Alignment: By filling the space, your other teeth stay in exactly the right place and don’t move around.
- Fixed Solution: Unlike dentures, a bridge is glued in place and does not move when you eat.
How Many Types Of Dental Bridges Are Explained?
There is no single model that fits every mouth. When looking at the types of dental bridges explained by a professional, you will see four main options:
- Traditional Bridge: This is the most common version, where crowns are placed on the teeth next to the gap.
- Cantilever Bridge: This is used when there is only one healthy tooth available next to the open space.
- Maryland Bridge: Instead of crowns, this uses a metal or porcelain frame that bonds to the back of the nearby teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: This uses metal posts in the jawbone rather than natural teeth to hold the bridge in place.
Where Can You Find Dental Bridges?
Searching for dental bridges near you is a great way to find local experts who can evaluate your mouth. During a visit, a professional will check the strength of the surrounding teeth and the health of the gums. If the nearby teeth are strong enough, they can serve as anchors for a new bridge. This process usually involves making a mould of the mouth so the lab can create a piece that fits perfectly and matches the colour of your other teeth.
Why Visit A Dental Clinic?
A dental clinic near you provides the specialised care needed to make sure a bridge lasts a long time. The process often takes two visits. During the first visit, the anchor teeth are prepared, and a temporary bridge is put in place. On the second visit, the permanent bridge is checked for a perfect fit and then cemented. Having a professional nearby means you can easily return for adjustments to ensure the bite feels comfortable and natural.
How Do You Care For A Dental Bridge?
Once you receive a dental bridge in Vancouver, keeping it clean is vital for its success. Since the bridge is connected to natural teeth, those anchors must stay healthy.
- Special Flossing: Use a floss threader to clean underneath the fake tooth where food can get trapped.
- Daily Brushing: Brush twice a day with a soft brush to keep the gum line clean.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Try not to bite down on very hard objects like ice or hard candy to prevent cracking the porcelain.
- Regular Checkups: Professional cleanings ensure that the area under the bridge stays free of germs.
What Is The Life Of A Bridge?
With the right care, a bridge can stay in great shape for ten years or even longer. The ceramic materials used today are very strong and resistant to stains. However, the life of the bridge depends mostly on the health of the teeth holding it up. If those teeth get cavities or gum disease, the bridge might fail. This makes daily cleaning the most important part of owning a dental bridge.
Get Your Smile Back Today
Having a full set of teeth makes a world of difference in how you feel every day. Our team is here to help you find the right way to fix your smile. We use precise methods to create bridges that look beautiful and feel strong. Our goal is to make sure you can laugh and eat with total ease. Schedule your visit at Cambie Broadway Dental and learn about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the process for getting a dental bridge painful?
The area is completely numbed during the preparation so that you do not feel any pain while the teeth are being shaped.
How long does it take to get used to a new bridge?
Most people feel completely comfortable with their new bridge after just a few days of eating and speaking.
Can a bridge be replaced if it breaks?
A professional can remove an old bridge and create a new one to ensure your smile stays complete.
Do I have to change my diet after getting a bridge?
You should avoid very sticky or extremely hard foods that could pull on or damage the bridge structure.
