What is a dental bridge?
Dental bridges “bridge” the gap that results from a missing tooth. They are made up of two parts: the pontics and the abutments. The abutments are the crowns that fit the teeth on either side of the gap, and the pontic is the false tooth that fills in for the missing tooth.
What is the process to get a dental bridge?
At the first appointment, the abutment teeth will be prepared for the placement of the crowns, which involves their reshaping. Then, impressions of these abutment teeth and the gap will be made so that the permanent bridge can be made at a dental lab. You will be given a temporary bridge in the meantime. At your second visit, your permanent bridge is placed, checked for proper fit, and then cemented into place.
What are the advantages of dental bridges?
A very large advantage of a dental bridge is that it is very stable, and it can make eating and speaking much easier than when you are missing teeth. Another advantage is that bridges look very natural, and no one will even be able to tell you have one.
A bridge can also help to maintain the shape and structure of your face, as not replacing a missing tooth can cause a loss in facial muscle tone. Having missing teeth can also result in other teeth moving out of position — a bridge will keep other teeth in their proper places. And, bridges are long lasting – with proper dental care, a diet that is healthy for teeth, and regular visits to your dentist, they can last up to 10 years.
There are many benefits to getting a dental bridge! If you are missing teeth, the staff at Lerner & Lemongello can help you to decide if a dental bridge is right for you. Contact the office in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Call (561) 627-9000 today!