Discover Dental Bridges: The Ultimate Solution for a Picture-Perfect Smile!

Have you lost your teeth due to an injury, decay, or extraction? When you have a missing tooth or teeth, it’s not just the smile that is affected, simple oral functions such as chewing becomes difficult. Luckily, dental restorations such as dental bridges can replace teeth and restore the appearance of your smile. However, several types of dental bridges are available at the dental office. Visit our dentist near you to help you choose the right dental solution to achieve your dream smile.

Understanding Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are artificial restorations that have been used to replace tooth gaps for decades. Bridges are customized at a dental laboratory to give the recipient a natural look and feel. Dental bridges comprise one or more dental crowns attached to either side of the tooth gap. The restorations can be created from various materials, including ceramic, metal, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal. A dental bridge procedure usually takes two dental appointments.

Choosing The Right Dental Bridges for Your Smile

Choosing a dental bridge in South Lake Tahoe to replace your missing teeth is considered one of the best dental treatment decisions, according to our dental experts. Many challenges come with having a missing tooth. Here are various types of dental bridges to consider.

• Traditional Bridges. If you have a single missing tooth, traditional bridges are an option you must consider. Conventional bridges consist of false teeth held in place by dental crowns. The crowns or abutments are fitted over the adjacent natural teeth. Traditional bridges become permanent once they have been placed, giving you a natural and durable tooth replacement.
• Maryland Bridges. This is the best dental bridge treatment option if you don’t wish your natural teeth altered. Maryland bridges use a framework made of porcelain or metal bonded directly into your natural teeth. They are usually recommended for the front teeth since they don’t require crowns.
• Cantilever Bridges. They are almost similar to traditional bridges; however, they only use a single tooth as an abutment. This makes them ideal for restoring molars and premolars. Additionally, cantilever bridges require a single crown, and the dentist will only have to prepare the enamel of one tooth, sparing the other natural teeth.
• Implant Supported Bridge. These are considered if you are missing multiple teeth in a row or your natural teeth aren’t strong enough to support the bridge. Implant-supported bridges are more permanent options that require a surgical procedure to place the implants onto your jawbone. The procedure will require several dental visits and a long healing period.

Other factors to consider when choosing the right dental bridge for you includes,

• The complexity of the treatment procedure of the plan
• Cost
• Your general health
• The number of teeth missing
• Materials needed for the dental bridge

Caring For Your Dental Bridge: Tips for Long-Term Maintenance and Oral Hygiene

Oral Hygiene

A good oral hygiene routine will prevent bacteria, plaque, and tartar from forming on your gums, teeth, and dental bridges. Brush your teeth twice daily using a recommended toothbrush that can clean the hard-to-reach places.

Floss your teeth and bridges to dislodge the food particles stuck between your teeth. Do it gently, especially around your dental bridges as they are healing to avoid dislodging them.

In addition, clean underneath your bridges using floss threaders and dental picks.

Regular Dental Checkups

You must have regular dental cleanings and checkups twice a year. Dental checkups allow dental issues to be spotted early and treated as soon as possible to maintain a healthy mouth. Cleaning and checkups will prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral issues. The dentists also get to examine your bridge and ensure all the pieces are in place.

Balanced and Healthy Diet

You should maintain a proper diet after your bridges are placed to benefit your remaining natural teeth. Our dentist in South Lake Tahoe, CA, recommends that you avoid foods that are chewy or hard to avoid dislodging the bridge or weakening it. In addition, avoid chewing on ice and raw vegetables.

Visit our Tahoe Dentist for a dental examination so they can guide you on which dental bridge will help you achieve your smile goals.