Dental Bridges – Farmington, MI
Fixed Bridges Boost Smile Confidence
It’s amazing how big of an effect just one missing tooth can have on a person’s life. Seemingly overnight, simple activities like speaking and eating can become awkward and uncomfortable. Plus, a gap in the smile is enough to make even the most confident person feel self-conscious. Missing teeth are a problem faced by over 120 million Americans right now, but at Monet Aesthetic Dentistry, we’re ready to provide a proven, long-term solution. With a fixed bridge, Dr. Metzger can help patients finally say “goodbye” to gaps for a lifetime.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge involves placing a prosthetic tooth in the mouth that is supported by the surrounding teeth which have been fitted with dental crowns. The replacement tooth literally “bridges” the gap between the two crowns. Whether a patient has lost a tooth due to decay, injury, or periodontal disease, bridges have long been a trusted and reliable way to rebuild the smile.
The Benefits of a Dental Bridge
- Increased confidence due to having a full set of teeth again
- Prevents the remaining teeth from shifting into the open space (which happens often after tooth loss)
- The bite is rebalanced, taking additional stress off of the remaining teeth
- The bite is also realigned, which can help prevent uneven tooth wear or TMJ-related problems
The Dental Bridge Procedure
After a brief oral exam and a diagnosis that a bridge is the best option for a patient, the procedure will follow these basic steps:
· Dr. Metzger will numb the area where the bridge is going to be placed.
- She’ll gently reshape the supporting teeth that are intended to be fitted with crowns.
- She’ll then take an impression of the area that will be sent to a local dental lab to make the bridge.
- Before they leave, the patient will be fitted with a temporary bridge.
- A week or so later, the patient will return to have their temporary removed and their permanent bridge cemented into place.
- Dr. Metzger will check the fit and make sure the bite is ideally aligned before sending a patient on their way.
If a patient doesn’t have enough healthy teeth to support a bridge, this prosthetic can also be supported with dental implants. In this case, dental implants topped with crowns will be placed near the missing teeth, and these will support the replacement restorations.
Taking Care of a Dental Bridge
One of the best parts about getting a fixed dental bridge is that it doesn’t require an extensive maintenance routine to keep it looking and feeling like new for years to come. Patients basically just need to take care of it like their natural teeth, which involves regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental checkups here in Farmington, MI. They should also pay extra attention to cleaning along the bottom of the prosthetic, as this area is likely to trap plaque and bacteria.