Dental Bridges Salem, OR Dental bridges are a common restorative dental treatment designed to replace one or more missing teeth. These restorations literally bridge the gap created by missing teeth. Bridges restore the function and appearance of a patient's smile. They are a durable and effective solution that improves chewing ability, speech clarity, and dental health overall. What Are Dental Bridges?A dental bridge is a prosthetic device that anchors onto adjacent teeth or dental implants. The bridge consists of two main components: the abutment teeth and the pontic. The abutment teeth serve as support structures. They are shaped and capped with dental crowns in order to anchor the pontic, which is the artificial tooth that fills the gap. Bridges may be made from a variety of materials that include porcelain, ceramics, metal alloys, or a combination, depending on the patient's specific needs. Types of Dental BridgesThere are several types of dental bridges, and each caters to specific patient needs. Traditional bridges are the most common, and consist of crowns on either side of the gap with artificial teeth between them. Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth. Maryland bonded bridges rely on metal or porcelain wings bonded to adjacent teeth. Implant supported bridges are anchored directly onto dental implants rather than natural teeth, and offer enhanced stability. ProcedureGetting a dental bridge typically requires multiple visits to the dentist. During the initial visit, we prepare the abutment teeth by reshaping them to accommodate crowns. Second, we take impressions to create a custom bridge that matches the patient's natural teeth. A temporary bridge may be placed while the permanent bridge is being fabricated. In the final visit, the permanent bridge is fitted, adjusted, and cemented into place. BenefitsDental bridges offer numerous advantages. They prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into empty spaces, which can lead to bite misalignment and further dental issues. Bridges also restore the ability to chew and speak properly, and maintain the natural shape of the face. In addition, they improve confidence by restoring our patients' smiles. Caring for Dental BridgesProper care and maintenance are essential to the longevity of a dental bridge. Regular brushing and flossing are necessary to prevent plaque buildup around the bridge and the abutment teeth. Special flossing tools or water flossers are used to clean the hard to reach areas around the bridge. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are crucial to monitor the health of the bridge. ConsiderationsPoor oral hygiene can lead to decay under the crowns, or gum disease beneath the bridge. In some cases, bridges can become loose or damaged over time, and require repair or replacement. We need patients to commit to proper care, maintenance, and regular dental visits in order to ensure that decay, gum disease, and damage do not occur. ConclusionDental bridges are a time tested and effective solution to replace missing teeth. They significantly improve the quality of life for our patients, as well as their confidence. Dental bridges can provide a healthy smile that lasts for many years with proper care. Schedule Your Appointment today!If you are interested in learning more about our services, please call (971) 208-6023, and schedule your appointment today! |
Contact Information876 Welcome Way SE Salem, OR 97302-4092 Office HoursMonday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 7:00am - 5:00pm Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm Thursday: 7:00am - 5:00pm Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm (971) 208-6023 info@ksfamilydentist.com Follow Us |
