7 Quick Tips Regarding Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are prosthetic devices that fill gaps in your bite left by missing or damaged teeth. Dental bridges in Houston, TX, are placed to restore your smile and the function of your teeth. Here are tips regarding these prosthetics to help you learn more about them.

1. What are Dental Bridges?

Before paying the bridge dentist near you a visit, you should know what dental bridges are. A dental bridge is a device comprising of an artificial tooth or teeth and dental crowns. It may be anchored to the neighboring natural teeth or a dental implant for support. They are made of tooth-colored porcelain for a seamless appearance.

A crown is specifically created to suit the needs of an individual. It restores the full use of your teeth and boosts your self-confidence. When placed by an experienced dentist, dental crowns fit in your mouth to feel like natural teeth.

2. Types of Dental Bridges

• Traditional Bridge: It includes one or more artificial teeth cemented to adjacent teeth using dental crowns.
• Maryland Bridges: These bridges fuse false teeth to the back of surrounding teeth. They are suitable for replacing visible front teeth.
• Cantilever Bridge: In this type of bridge, the artificial tooth is connected to a single adjacent natural tooth through a crown.
• Implant-supported Bridge: It is similar to a traditional bridge. However, it is strengthened by implants instead of being attached to natural teeth.

3. Tips for Preparing for the Procedure

Tips to help you prepare for a dental bridge procedure with the general dentist in Houston, TX:

Inquire about the cost, financing, and insurance cover

Find out the payment plans available and insurance types accepted by the practice. It helps you plan according to available finances.

Provide your entire dental history

Share your dental records with your dentist before the procedure. They will assist with the diagnosis and creation of a personalized treatment plan.

Prepare for sedation and anesthetic

Ask about the anesthetics offered to ensure they interact well with the medications that you use. If you have experienced dental anxiety, ask the dentist about sedation dentistry options.

4. What is Involved in the Procedure?

These are steps you can expect the bridge’s dentist near you to follow when fitting you with a dental bridge.

1. The procedure begins with a preliminary appointment. Your dentist performs a detailed oral exam. It helps determine whether a dental bridge is suitable for you.
2. Before the procedure, the dentist administers an anesthetic. It ensures a pain-free and comfortable treatment.
3. The dentist prepares adjacent teeth that will support the crown by shaping them. This action enables them to hold the crowns placed over them.
4. An impression of your teeth is created and sent to the dental laboratory. At the lab, a custom-made bridge is designed in a week or two.
5. The dental expert makes and fits you with a temporary bridge. It will protect your teeth as you wait for the permanent ones from the lab.
6. Once your new bridge is ready, the temporary one is removed. The permanent bridge is put into place using dental adhesives to secure the bridge for a perfect fit.

5. Benefits of Dental Bridges

You can expect the following benefits when fitted with new dental bridges in Houston, TX.

• Natural-feeling bite
• Restored smile
• Increased self-confidence
• Ability to speak without a lisp
• Reduced sagging of your face or cheeks
• Restored eating and chewing function improving digestion
• Improved oral hygiene and health
• A long-lasting solution to teeth loss

6. Tips for Caring for Your Bridges for More Extended Wear

1. Use a suitable toothbrush to clean your teeth for two minutes twice every day. It keeps away decay and other dental health issues.
2. Floss at least once each day to clean under the bridge.
3. Clean your teeth using non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Rinse your mouth frequently using an antiseptic mouth rinse.
4. Avoid chewing on hard objects or foods with your restorations as they may break or fracture.
5. Attend regular dental appointments. The general dentist in Houston checks your bridges for wear and tear and a proper fit.

7. Where Can I Go for Dental Bridges?

Contact our dental experts at Lynn Alan Palmer DDS if you desire to restore your missing teeth using dental bridges. Our highly trained dental team uses modern technology to fit you with natural-looking prosthetics. You can also visit us for professional maintenance of existing dental bridgework.