Dental bridges are a restorative dentistry procedure used to bridge the gap between two natural teeth. If you’ve lost a tooth for any reason, whether it was knocked out, removed due to injury, or removed due to decay, a dental bridge may be the solution you’re looking for to restore your smile’s look, feel, and function! In this article, we’ll talk more about what dental bridges are, how they work, and the situations in which a patient might need one! If you have any questions about dental bridges or are a resident of Southern Maine that is considering a restorative dentistry procedure, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at Gentle Dental Maine at any of our offices!
What Is A Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges typically contain two or more dental crowns on both ends of the bridge with artificial teeth in between, bridging the gap between two natural teeth. When you make an appointment to get a dental bridge, the first step in the process will be for your dentist to prepare the “anchor teeth”, which are your natural teeth that surround the gap that will be bridged. Next, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth so a custom bridge that matches the shape of your natural teeth, making the bridge look as realistic as possible. You’ll be given a temporary bridge while you wait for the custom bridge to be created. Once your custom bridge has been created, your dentist will replace the temporary bridge with the permanent bridge, restoring your ability to eat, speak, and smile naturally! Dental bridges typically last anywhere from five to fifteen years when they are being taken care of properly with good oral hygiene habits and regular dental checkups!
Why Might I Need A Dental Bridge?
As mentioned above, dental bridges are used to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth between two natural teeth. If you’ve lost one or more teeth for any reason, you’re likely a good candidate for a dental bridge! Some of the most common reasons that someone might need a dental bridge include severe tooth decay, gum disease that has led to tooth loss, injuries to the mouth, old age, and ineligibility for dental implants due to medical problems. If you’re thinking about getting a restorative dentistry procedure but aren’t sure which is right for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our restorative dentistry specialists!
Contact Gentle Dental Maine
If you have any questions about dental bridges or are looking into a restorative dental procedure, contact Gentle Dental Maine! Our family dentists specialize in general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry services at each of our offices in South Portland, Biddeford, and Topsham. Give us a call at any one of our offices, or if you’re not yet a patient with us, please fill out the new patient form on our website!