If one or more missing teeth affect your smile, you need to consider getting the right treatment for replacing these. There are three alternatives available for you – dentures, dental bridges and dental implants. The treatment you choose depends on your preference and budget as well as your dentist’s opinion.
While many individuals do not want the hassle of clicking dentures, they also do not want to undergo such an extensive and expensive treatment as dental implants. The viable option, in such a circumstance, is to opt for dental bridges. Before you get this treatment, here are a few things that you need to know.
Necessity: Is it really necessary to replace missing teeth? Apart from the obvious effect it has on your appearance, missing teeth may affect your bite and your speech. Moreover, the accumulation of food particles in these gaps often results in tooth decay and gum diseases. It is, therefore, a good idea to opt for a suitable treatment.
Eligibility: You are a good candidate for this treatment if you have good oral health. The treatment requires preparation of the adjoining teeth, for which healthy tooth tissue requires to be extracted. Your dentist would be able to determine whether the treatment is suitable for you or not.
Type: Different types of dental bridges are available for use. You may opt for fixed bridges or cantilever bridges. Resin-bonded bridges or Maryland bridges are also available. Consult your dentist to understand which type of dental bridges would be appropriate for the treatment of your condition.
Material: You may opt for precious metal like gold for making the pontic, i.e., the false tooth. You may also choose metal fused with porcelain for this. However, the popular choice nowadays is to use porcelain for creating the false tooth. This ensures that the tooth remains unnoticeable.
Procedure: At the first appointment, the dentist numbs the area to be treated and the teeth on either side of the gap are prepared for the placement of the dental crowns. An impression of the teeth is taken to create the mould for the bridge. A temporary bridge is fitted on your teeth and gums to protect them from harm.
At the second appointment, your dentist removes the temporary bridge and fits the tailor-made bridge in its place. Next, the bridge is checked to ensure that it fits properly. After the dentist is satisfied with the results, he/she cements it to its place. You may need to go for regular visits to adjust the position of the bridge.
Cost: The cost of dental bridges depends on different factors, including the type and material of your choice. Other factors that affect the dental bridges cost are the charges of the dental clinic you get the treatment from and the fees of the dentist performing the procedure.
Advantages: While dental bridges are more effective and long lasting than dentures, they are not as permanent as dental implants. However, if you consider the improvement it brings to your appearance, especially your smile, and the cost associated with it, you are sure to understand that it is a good choice for replacing missing teeth.
Author Bio
Daniel Smith is an orthodontic expert. He provides a brief overview of the way dental bridges are appropriate for replacing missing teeth. Whether you are looking for teeth straightening treatments using 6 month braces or teeth replacing treatments using dental implants, he suggests you to visit http://www.oldquarterdental.ie/.
