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Dental Bridge Vancouver WAIf you are missing teeth in your mouth, you may be uncertain which type of dental restoration is best for you. Dentures, dental implants, and bridges can all restore missing teeth. What is a Dental Bridge?A dental bridge is an artificial tooth or pontic that replaces the gap left by a lost tooth. Bridges are made of a wide variety of materials like gold and alloy, but the majority of bridges are manufactured with porcelain to match the color of your natural teeth. Bridges enhance the aesthetics of your smile and restore bite function. This allows you to talk more clearly and chew meals more easily. Visit Thurston Oaks Dental in Vancouver to get more details about dental bridges and other dental services we offer. Who is a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?People with missing teeth are candidates for dental bridges. Tooth loss can occur as a result of injuries, tooth decay, congenital conditions, or gum disease, and the bridge aids in filling the gaps between the teeth. For a dental bridge to be installed, you must have sturdy teeth on each side of the missing ones. Signs You Might Need a Dental BridgeThe most obvious sign you may need a dental bridge is having one or more missing teeth in your mouth. If you find it challenging to chew or bite properly due to missing teeth, it may be a sign that you need a dental bridge. Missing teeth can affect your speech, causing changes in the way you pronounce words. When a tooth is missing, neighboring teeth may shift over time, leading to misalignment. Missing teeth can increase the risk of gum problems, such as gum disease or infection. You may experience pain or discomfort in the area where teeth are missing or due to the shifting of adjacent teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth can be challenging to clean, increasing the risk of dental decay and gum disease. Feeling self-conscious or embarrassed about your smile due to missing teeth is a common indicator that you may benefit from a dental bridge. Dental Bridges in VancouverDental bridges are categorized into four types: namely, traditional fixed bridges, Maryland dental bridges, implant-supported bridges, and cantilever bridges. The most common form of dental bridge is the traditional fixed bridge. They are manufactured from various materials such as metals, ceramics, and porcelain fused. Maryland bridges are primarily for replacing the front teeth. Unlike typical bridges that employ crowns on the abutment tooth, Maryland bridges make use of porcelain or metal framework glued to your teeth. Cantilever bridges have pontic (s) that are supported by crowns cemented to one side of the existing tooth. Instead of using crowns or frameworks, implant-supported bridges use implants. Each lost tooth is replaced with a surgically placed implant, which holds the bridge in place.  Caring for Your Dental BridgesDental bridges are permanent, but unlike dentures, they do not last a lifetime. Dental bridges can last for over 10 years with proper maintenance and care. Technology and material advancements, together with current application methods, will make bridges more robust in the future. Brushing and flossing your teeth daily will help your bridge last longer. Our dentist will provide cleaning and flossing instructions for your new bridge. Furthermore, changing your nutrition will significantly impact the endurance of your bridges. For example, sticky candies, nuts, and popcorn should not be consumed since they may cause a problem with your abutment tooth or bridge. Why Choose Thurston Oaks Dental?To find out more about how to best care for your dental bridge, visit us or give us a call at (360) 514-9212 today. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you to find out if dental bridges are the right answer to your missing teeth. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow Long Does A Dental Bridge Last? The longevity of a bridge depends on the health of the supporting teeth and the surrounding gums, as well as good oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups. Do I Need Implants For A Bridge? No, you don't necessarily need implants for a dental bridge. A traditional bridge uses the existing teeth adjacent to the gap as supports. However, implant-supported bridges are an option where dental implants are used instead of natural teeth to support the bridge, particularly when adjacent teeth aren't suitable for support. How Do You Clean A Dental Bridge? Cleaning a dental bridge involves brushing and flossing just like your natural teeth. It's important to brush around and under the bridge. Special floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser can be used to clean underneath the bridge and remove plaque and food particles to maintain oral health. |
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