There are many modern dental solutions that can help restore the function of our teeth and the beauty of our smile. Dental bridges are a common restoration for treating tooth loss. Dental crowns and bridges are two of the most common treatments for dental problems, and a perfect solution for restoring damaged, decayed, and missing teeth. Dr. Vandana Sood in Leesburg, VA, uses the highest quality bridges to restore the function of your smile for years to come.
What is a dental bridge?
If you have multiple teeth that are badly damaged or decayed and require extraction, you may be recommended to have a dental bridge. A bridge is essentially a number of crowns that span the gap left by missing teeth.
Why is closing the gap important?
When a gap from tooth loss is left in the mouth, teeth tend to overcompensate and shift into the open space. When this happens, they can twist and create more gaps, which in turn can cause more problems with the patient's bite and the function of their mouth. Gaps in your smile can also knock your confidence and self-esteem.
How do dental bridges work?
Dental bridges use the benefits associated with crowns and apply them to multiple teeth at once. Crowns are placed on two teeth either side of your gap, these become known as abutment teeth and anchor the bridge firmly in place.
Crowns are also used to fill the gap left by missing teeth as they look and feel just the natural thing. This part of the bridge is known as the pontic. Better still, as we know; porcelain crowns can be color-matched, making them a very discreet solution that can restore a natural-looking smile.
Types of dental bridge
As well as the traditional bridge, described above, there are several other types of dental bridge. We will decide which type of bridge is right for you during your consultation with Dr. Sood.
Resin bonded bridges
Also called a Maryland bonded bride, this type of bridge can come in a variety of material including porcelain fused to metal, 100% porcelain or sometimes plastic teeth and gums that are supported by a porcelain or metal framework. This style of bridge uses wings made from metal or porcelain, which are found on each side of the bridge and are securely bonded to your natural teeth.
Cantilever bridges
Probably the least common variety, cantilever bridges are used when there are only teeth on one side of the gap that the bridge can be anchored to. This type of bridge is only used with caution as it has been found to exert pressure on the anchor tooth.
Dental bridge procedure
The procedure to get a dental bridge is almost identical to that of receiving a crown. However, on the return visit to receive your bridge you may not immediately have it centered into place.
Instead, Dr. Sood may recommend that you wear the new bridge with just a temporary fixing for the time being to ensure that it is a good, comfortable fit before is is secured permanently in place.
Am I a suitable candidate for dental crowns and bridges?
To assess your candidacy for any dental treatment you will need to attend a consultation appointment with Dr. Sood.
During this appointment, she will preform a thorough examination of your teeth. Using this information, it will be possible for Dr. Sood to determine if crowns and/or bridges are the best solution to your dental needs.
Caring for crowns and bridges
Both crowns and dental bridges need to be cared for in the same way as your natural teeth, and daily brushing and flossing should be maintained. You should also ensure you attend your regularly scheduled check-ups with Dr. Sood. With the right care and attention, your crowns and bridge could last as long as twenty years.
Dr. Sood and her team have extensive experience in providing high quality dental treatments and patient care in Leesberg, Ashburn, Lansdowne and the surrounding communities.
If you would like to find out more about dental crowns and bridges, or to schedule a consultation, please contact our general and cosmetic dentistry practice today. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, happy smile.
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