Dentists in Stamford Build Great Bridges
Bridges span a gap, usually over a river or a road. And our dentists here in Stamford span gaps in your mouth by building bridges as well, without putting out orange cones and closing down the road!
Whether from an accident which causes you to lose a tooth or two, or just age, sometimes a dental bridge is a better option than a crown or dentures.
Unlike Dentures, bridges are considered permanent, but they are not as expensive as actual dental implants. The life expectancy of a bridge is about ten years.
Like implants though, there’s no need to take your teeth out each night and put them in a fizzy glass of liquid.
Each bridge, pontic, can be formed and colored to match your existing teeth. There are a variety of different materials that can be used,alloys, porcelain, even gold. But Porcelain is the most prevalent material.
There are three main types of bridges that currently in use:
- Traditional Fixed with a crown on either side of the pontic
- Maryland or Resin Bonded which uses porcelain or metal to bond with the back of your teeth and
- Implant Supported where implants are placed and then pontics are applied later.
They are bonded within your mouth with a strong resin. In the case of Traditional Fixed Bridges, your dentist may use temporary cement to make sure that the placement of the bridge fits well.
With Maryland Bridges, they are bonded behind the adjacent teeth and are usually used for front teeth.
Implant Supported bridges require more time so that the surgery will heal before placing the bridge.
Your abutment teeth can be affected by a bridge and it can cause weakening or affect your bite.
Bacteria and plaque can also build up so you still have to have a good oral routine, brushing, flossing, and regular check ups, and you probably shouldn’t eat a lot of popcorn, nuts, or salt water taffy, they are a good alternative to dentures.
The great thing about bridges is that they bring back your smile. They help you restore normal speech that the tooth loss may have started producing impediments. They help support your jawline and keep your facial structure intact because they prevent bone loss. They keep adjacent teeth from moving into the space and they allow you to chew your food again.
So if you are
- Missing one or more permanent teeth,
- Have overall good oral and overall good health (no severe health conditions, infections, or other health problems)
- Have healthy teeth and a strong bone structure
- And continue to maintain good oral hygiene
you might be a good candidate for a bridge.
We here at Stamford Dental Spa can discuss these factors so we can help you decide if building a bridge is right for you. Without closing the road!