What Are Marlton Dental Bridges?
We provide top-notch dental care for all your oral health needs. One common procedure we offer at our clinic is dental bridges in Marlton. Schedule an appointment with us today to see if dental bridges are the right option for you. And don’t hesitate to visit our clinic for any oral health needs. We look forward to welcoming you to Acorn Dental! Keep smiling! What Are Dental Bridges? Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth. They consist of two or more crowns, also known as abutment teeth, on either side of the gap caused by a missing tooth. These crowns act as anchors for the artificial tooth, also known as a pontic, filling the gap where the natural tooth is missing. Why Are Dental Bridges Necessary? Losing a tooth can have a significant impact on your overall oral health and well-being. Not only does it affect the appearance of your smile, but it can also lead to further dental problems if left untreated. Here are some reasons why dental bridges may be necessary for you: Prevent Shifting of Teeth When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth shift into the space. This can lead to misalignment of your bite, causing issues with chewing and speaking and possibly leading to jaw pain and headaches. Dental bridges help prevent this by filling in the gap and keeping your remaining teeth in their proper positions. Maintain Facial Structure Teeth play a crucial role in supporting the structure of our face. When a tooth is missing, the bone supporting that area can deteriorate. This can lead to changes in your facial structure, making you appear older or causing a sunken look. Dental bridges help maintain the integrity of your facial structure by filling in the gap and stimulating the underlying bone. Restore Functionality Losing a tooth can also affect your ability to eat and speak properly. Chewing food on the side of your mouth where a tooth is missing can be challenging, leading to digestion issues. You may also experience difficulty pronouncing certain words or sounds. Dental bridges can help restore functionality by replacing the missing tooth, allowing you to eat and speak easily. Improve Confidence Having a missing tooth can impact your confidence and self-esteem. You may feel self-conscious about smiling or talking, especially in social situations. Dental bridges can improve your confidence by filling in the gap and restoring your smile, giving you a natural-looking tooth replacement that blends in seamlessly with your remaining teeth. Types of Dental Bridges There are various types of dental bridges to cater to each patient’s unique needs. These include: Traditional Dental Bridges This type of bridge consists of two crowns on either side of the gap, with a pontic in between. The crowns are placed over the natural teeth next to the missing tooth and act as anchors for the artificial tooth. Cantilever Dental Bridges Like traditional bridges, cantilever bridges use a crown on one side of the gap to support the pontic. This is useful when only one natural tooth is adjacent to the missing tooth. Maryland Dental Bridges Maryland bridges are made of a metal or porcelain framework with a pontic attached. The framework is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth, making it a more conservative option than traditional bridges. However, Maryland bridges are not as strong and may not be suitable for replacing back teeth. Implant-Supported Bridges Implant-supported bridges use dental implants as anchors instead of natural teeth. This procedure is more invasive but provides the most stable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth. The Procedure Getting a dental bridge usually requires two or more visits to our clinic. During the first visit, we will prepare your abutment teeth by filing them down to make room for the crowns. We’ll then take impressions of your teeth to create a custom bridge that fits perfectly in your mouth. The bridge will be placed and adjusted during your second visit to fit and bite properly. Once everything is satisfactory, we will permanently cement it in place. It may take some time to get used to the feel of your new bridge, but with proper care and maintenance, it can last for many years. Aftercare Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for the longevity of your dental bridge. You should brush twice a day and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Avoid hard or sticky foods that can damage or dislodge the bridge. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also crucial in ensuring the health of your bridge and overall oral health. Marlton Dental Bridges In summary, dental bridges are a common and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. They not only improve the appearance of your smile but also prevent further dental issues and restore functionality. Acorn Dental is committed to providing high-quality dental care, including dental bridges, to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile. You can also check out our other services, such as dental implants, dentures, and Invisalign in Marlton, New Jersey, to see how we can further help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. Remember, your oral health is essential to your overall well-being, so don’t neglect it. We are here to support and guide you on your dental health journey. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Woodfork!
