DENTAL BRIDGES

You do not have to live with the embarrassment of missing teeth. One of the easiest ways to deal with this problem is with a bridge. Dr. Ghotanian can replace a single lost tooth or two or more lost teeth that are adjacent to one another with a dental bridge. To get the smile you want and need, call us to plan your visit with our dentists at Ghotanian Dental.

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REPLACE MISSING TEETH WITH DENTAL BRIDGES

Every tooth in your mouth is essential for proper speech, chewing, and maintaining the alignment of your other teeth. Although tooth loss can occur at any age, it's important to replace any missing teeth to preserve the functionality of your mouth. Thankfully, there are several treatment options available for correcting tooth loss.

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DENTAL BRIDGE OPTIONS

A dental bridge is a dental device used to replace missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth that are attached to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges can either be permanently attached, also known as fixed bridges, or they can be removable.

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Fixed bridges are applied by placing crowns on the abutment teeth or bonding the artificial teeth directly to them. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments.

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Missing teeth can have an impact on both your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions, such as eating and speaking, and missing teeth can make it difficult to perform these tasks. Therefore, missing teeth should be replaced to restore your dental health and appearance. Fixed bridges can be a great option for this purpose.

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WHAT EXACTLY IS A DENTAL BRIDGE OR FIXED PARTIAL DENTURE?

A bridge, also known as a fixed partial denture, is a dental appliance that fills in the gap where teeth are missing. Unlike removable bridges, fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Fixed bridges provide more stability than removable ones, making them a popular choice for replacing missing teeth.

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WHY DO I NEED A DENTAL BRIDGE?

Wearing a bridge has important benefits for both oral functionality and appearance. A bridge can help support your lips and cheeks, preventing your mouth from sinking and making your face look older due to missing teeth, especially in the back of your mouth. However, dental health is the most critical reason for getting a bridge. Teeth are designed to work together, and when teeth are missing, unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues. This can lead to a range of potentially harmful disorders, such as gum disease, bite problems, and even tooth decay in other teeth.

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Moreover, missing teeth can also cause speech disorders as teeth play a crucial role in making many of the sounds we use to speak clearly. By replacing missing teeth with a bridge, you can improve your oral health, speech, and overall appearance.

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HOW IS A DENTAL BRIDGE ATTACHED?

The process of attaching a dental bridge usually requires two or three visits to the dentist. During the first appointment, Dr. Ghotanian will prepare the teeth on both sides of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.

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Next, impressions of the teeth are taken to create an accurate model for the construction of the bridge. The bridge must be precisely fabricated to ensure a correct bite and match with the opposing teeth. The model is sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge is constructed.

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Fixed bridges are usually cemented to the natural teeth adjacent to the gap left by the missing tooth. The pontic, or false tooth, replaces the lost tooth, while dental crowns provide support for the bridge by being cemented onto the natural teeth.

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WHAT MATERIALS ARE USED FOR DENTAL BRIDGES?

Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metal.

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HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY BRIDGE?

It is important to maintain a strict oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing, to keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is crucial as the bridge depends on the adjacent teeth for support.

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Read about dental crowns