A dental bridge is a highly effective treatment for replacing missing teeth and restoring your natural smile. This dental procedure involves the creation of a bridge-like structure, comprising one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, which are held in place by dental crowns. These crowns are cemented onto the teeth adjacent to the gap, providing a sturdy and durable solution for missing teeth. In Eugene, Oregon, Dr. Vilija Hudson at Hudson Dental is an expert in this procedure, ensuring patients regain their confidence and functionality with a dental bridge.
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Why Should I Get a Dental Bridge?
If you have lost a tooth or teeth, a dental bridge can be the ideal solution for you. Missing teeth can lead to a host of problems, including difficulties in eating and speaking, a shifting of remaining teeth, and a loss of facial structure. A dental bridge not only fills the gap in your smile but also helps maintain the shape of your face, and properly distribute the forces in your bite. In addition, dental bridges can last for many years with proper care, making them a long-term solution for missing teeth.
Did you know…
A dental bridge can last between 5 to 15 years and even longer with good oral hygiene.
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The Benefits Of a Dental Bridge
Restores Functionality
A dental bridge can restore the functionality of your mouth. With the bridge in place, you can chew your food properly and speak clearly, activities that may have been difficult with missing teeth. You can enjoy your favorite foods without worry and engage in conversations confidently.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Dental bridges are designed to match the natural color of your teeth, providing an aesthetically pleasing solution to missing teeth. They can fill the gaps in your smile, helping you feel more confident and attractive. Dr. Hudson at Hudson Dental takes great care to ensure that your dental bridge looks natural and fits comfortably in your mouth.
Prevents Further Dental Issues
By filling the gap left by a missing tooth, a dental bridge can prevent further dental issues. It can prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of position, which can cause a bad bite and other dental problems. The dental bridge also helps maintain the shape of your face, preventing the sagging of facial muscles that can occur with missing teeth.
The Dental Bridge Treatment Process
Preparation of Abutment Teeth
The first step in the dental bridge procedure involves preparing the teeth on either side of the gap. These teeth, known as the abutment teeth, are reshaped by removing a portion of the enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them.
Impressions and Temporary Bridge
Next, impressions of the teeth are taken, which will be used as a model from which the dental bridge, pontic, and crowns will be made by a dental lab. A temporary bridge will be placed for protection until your next appointment when the permanent bridge is ready.
Fitting of the Permanent Bridge
Once your dental bridge is ready, the temporary bridge is removed and the new bridge is checked and adjusted to achieve a proper fit. Multiple visits may be necessary to check the fit of the metal framework and bite. This is a critical part of the process, ensuring the bridge fits perfectly and feels comfortable in your mouth.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
