Missing teeth can detract from your smile and cause many dental issues. Thankfully, a dental treatment called a dental bridge can help bridge the gap between missing teeth, improving your essential functions and giving you a beautiful smile. You’ve come to the right place if you’re unfamiliar with dental bridges. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what our Vineyard dental bridges are and the benefits they can offer.
A dental bridge is a dental restoration we can use to replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges are anchored in place by two crowns that we cement to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. These replacement teeth, called pontics, are secured between the crowns, bridging the gap created by the missing teeth.
Dental Bridges Help to Restore Your Smile
A missing tooth can make you self-conscious about your smile, but dental bridges can help to restore your confidence. Bridges look and feel natural so that you can smile, speak, and eat confidently. Additionally, dental bridges can help to support your facial structure, helping you to look younger and more vibrant.
Dental Bridges Can Improve Your Speech
Your teeth play a crucial role in your speech function. If you have missing teeth, it can affect how you pronounce certain sounds, impacting your speech. Fortunately, dental bridges can restore your speech function, enabling you to speak clearly and confidently once again.
Dental Bridges Can Prevent Dental Issues
Missing teeth can cause a wide range of dental issues, including gum disease, tooth decay, and misalignment of surrounding teeth. Filling the gap with a dental bridge can help to prevent these issues, as the bridge prevents remaining teeth from shifting out of place or becoming misaligned.
Dental Bridges Are Durable and Long-Lasting
Dental bridges are made from durable materials like porcelain and ceramic that we design to withstand daily use. With proper care and maintenance, dental bridges can last for many years, ensuring your smile remains functional and beautiful.
Our Dental Bridge Placement Process in Vineyard, Utah
There’s no need to live with a gap in your smile; we’re here to help. If you’re considering a dental bridge, please schedule a consultation with our team. We’ll guide you through the process, answer any questions you may have, and help you achieve your best smile.
Step One: Consultation
The first step in dental bridge placement is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chris Crawford, Dr. Rick Leishman, Dr. Matt Fletcher, or Dr. Cameron Birrell. During this initial meeting, your dentist will examine your oral health and determine whether a dental bridge is the best treatment option. They will also discuss the types of bridges available, the materials used to create them, and the costs involved. If a dental bridge is the right solution for you, your dentist will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Step Two: Teeth Preparation
Before we can place the dental bridge, your dentist must prepare the teeth adjacent to the gap. These teeth are called abutment teeth. Next, we will reshape these teeth to make room for the dental crown holding the bridge in place. This process involves removing a portion of the enamel to make space for the crown. Your dentist will also take impressions of your teeth, which we will send to the dental laboratory to create the customized bridge.
Step Three: Fitting the Bridge
The next step in dental bridge placement is to fit the bridge. Your dentist will place a temporary bridge onto the prepared abutment teeth while the dental laboratory creates the permanent bridge. It’s essential to ensure that the temporary bridge fits well and that you can eat and speak comfortably. Once the permanent bridge is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary bridge and place the permanent one. Your dentist will then check that the bridge fits correctly and adjust it if necessary.
Step Four: Follow-up Appointments
After your dental bridge placement, you’ll need to attend regular follow-up appointments with your dentist to ensure the bridge functions correctly. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups is essential to prevent any future oral health problems. Your dentist will also provide information on properly caring for your dental bridge.
Step Five: Enjoy Your New Smile
Your dental bridge can last up to ten years or more with proper care. It’s one of the most popular and effective solutions for missing teeth, providing patients with a natural-looking, restored smile. Patients who receive dental bridges often report improved self-esteem, better oral health, and a more comfortable eating experience.
Vineyard Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can offer a wide range of benefits if you’re missing one or more teeth. From improving your smile and speech to preventing dental issues, dental bridges are an excellent option for those looking to restore their smile’s beauty and functionality. If you’re interested in dental bridges or any quality restorative dentistry solutions in Vineyard, Utah, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Crawford Leishman Dental. We offer family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and much more. Our team of dental professionals would be happy to answer any questions you have and help you bring out your bright, healthy smile.
