Yes, it absolutely does! Why are we so confident? Well, for starters, there are no sticky adhesives involved and there’s never a worry that your dental bridge will fall out. This form of restoration is recommended by our Mullins, SC, dentist because of its ability to resemble the shape, look, and function of natural teeth.
Even better, our team can construct and place your bridge in one appointment thanks to . Say goodbye to the discomfort of missing teeth and say hello to improved self confidence and oral health.
Here’s what you need to know about the and the benefits it brings.
Appropriately named, dental bridges literally “bridge the gap” left by one or more missing teeth. It is a fixed, or permanent, solution that replaces lost teeth and gives you a beautifully natural smile.
Learn More → 3 Ways to Restore Your Smile After Tooth Loss
Traditional bridges consist of two or more dental crowns with a false tooth in between. The crowns are placed over anchoring teeth on either side of the gap, also known as “abutment teeth”.
Bridges can also be supported by dental implants if natural teeth are not present.
Every patient is different. Dr. Blevins will need to examine your entire mouth to determine if a bridge will work best for you. We may even find that snap-in dentures or dental implants are the more appropriate choice.
Inside our Mullins dental office, we are proud to have CEREC® dental technology at our fingertips. Unlike other practices, we do not need to outsource the fabrication of your bridge. Our team is able to make and place the bridge in-house for your convenience.
Related Post → How Same-Day Crowns Are Possible
Because of this, the entire bridge procedure can move at a faster pace. Dr. Blevins will start by shaping and filing the abutment teeth on both sides of the empty gap. This is done to ensure the crowns fit nicely next to the fake tooth. If the supporting teeth are implants, this step will not be necessary.
We’ll then take 3D digital impressions of your teeth and send those to a nearby computer. With these images, we’ll begin designing your custom bridge. Once the bridge looks ideal, it’ll be sent to the milling machine we have located in our office.
At the milling machine, the bridge will be sculpted from a tooth-colored ceramic block. Dr. Blevins will remove the bridge from the machine once it’s finished and transition to the placement stage. Lastly, the bridge will be cemented into place.
There are many . The most obvious benefit is that they can help improve the appearance of your smile. This alone can provide a noticeable confidence boost and make it all worth it.
Your dental bridge will need to be taken care of to ensure your mouth remains healthy. You will have to be extra diligent about practicing oral hygiene habits after the permanent bridge is placed.
For example, the area where the fake tooth rests on the gums is difficult to clean and can result in plaque buildup. To combat this, rinse with mouthwash often, brush at least twice a day, and floss daily underneath the bridge.
Oral hygiene habits such as these will reduce inflammation and prevent cavities from occurring at the edge of the bridge. You may find that you need floss threaders or a water flosser to accurately reach areas underneath and in between.
Dr. Blevins offers patients multiple innovative ways to replace missing teeth. As a , he knows how important a healthy smile is not just for the body, but for an individual’s confidence. To discuss your options, request an appointment online or call Blevins Dentistry today at (843) 561-4039.
This blog post has been updated.
We Can’t Wait to Help You Create Your Dream Smile!