Having a dental bridge placed not only helps restore your smile and confidence but also helps maintain the overall function of your mouth. At Glen Park Dental, we understand that having any dental restoration can be stressful for patients. That is why we strive to ensure that each bridge fits perfectly in order to achieve a natural-looking smile.
In this blog, we will discuss the steps involved in placing a dental bridge, including choosing the right type of bridge, fitting and securing the final restoration in place, making bite alignment and adjustments, and caring for your new restoration. Our goal is always to provide an optimal patient experience while delivering strong results.
Choosing the Right Type of Dental Bridge
To ensure the best functional and aesthetic outcome, it is important to choose the right type of dental bridge for each situation. Here are the types of bridges available and how to decide which one is most suitable for your needs.
Traditional Bridges
Traditional fixed bridges consist of two crowns with a false tooth (called a pontic) in between them that fills in the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. The abutment teeth, or anchoring teeth, are typically the two adjacent teeth to the gap, and a crown is placed on top of each of them.
A traditional bridge is generally used when there are healthy abutment teeth, or when an implant-supported bridge may not be feasible due to inadequate bone structure or other clinical constraints.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are fixed bridges that consist of only one crown and a pontic, with the single crown being attached to the abutment tooth that lies next to the missing tooth or teeth. This type of bridge is most suitable for situations where there are only one or two abutment teeth available.
Implant-Supported Bridges
An implant-supported bridge consists of artificial roots (dental implants) that are surgically embedded in the jawbone and connected to one or more pontics. This is a more permanent option than traditional bridges and can be used when there are no adjacent teeth available for an abutment. Implant-supported bridges are considered to have better stability, durability, and aesthetics than other types of bridges.
When deciding which type of bridge is most suitable for your needs, it is important to consider the condition of your remaining teeth, as well as your budget and aesthetic preferences. Your dentist will be able to assess your mouth and advise you on the best solution for you.
Fitting & Securing the Final Restoration in Place
Once the dental bridge has been crafted to fit the patient’s mouth, it is ready to be securely placed. It is important that this step of fitting and securing the final restoration in place is done correctly, as it ensures a successful outcome for both patient comfort and the longevity of results.
Preparation & Fitting
The dentist will perform any necessary adjustments prior to securing the bridge in order to ensure a proper fit when inserted into the patient’s mouth. This includes making sure all edges are smooth and rounded, so they do not cause discomfort or damage to adjacent teeth. Once this preparation is complete, the bridge can be tried on for size before being secured in place.
Cementing & Securing the Bridge
The bridge is then cemented into place using a specialized dental adhesive. Once in place, the dentist will make sure that the bridge fits properly and that it has its full strength before releasing the patient. To do this, they will evaluate the occlusion (bite) of the teeth to ensure proper function, as well as check for any gaps between the teeth and gums created by the restoration.
Final Adjustments & Polishing
If necessary, minor adjustments can be made after cementing to ensure a comfortable fit for the patient. The dentist may also polish or buff away any irregularities caused by placing or removing the bridge from its location in order to create a smooth surface that won’t irritate surrounding soft tissues.
With the final restoration in place, the dentist will perform an exam to ensure that it is secure and properly functioning. The patient may also be given instructions on how to maintain the bridge correctly, including how to clean around it, as well as when they should return for follow-up appointments or checkups.
Caring for Your New Restoration
Having a dental bridge placed is an important step in restoring the health and beauty of your smile. Now that you have this restoration, it’s important to keep up with good oral hygiene so that your new bridge can last as long as possible. Here are some tips on caring for your new restoration:
Brush Twice Daily
Just like before, it’s important to brush twice daily for two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean around the restoration and also between teeth. Additionally, flossing daily is essential to remove plaque from your gum line and between teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Having regular checkups and cleanings every six months is essential for good oral health. At Glen Park Dental, we use diagnostic tools like X-rays to ensure that your bridge and surrounding teeth stay healthy.
Diet & Other Habits
Your lifestyle choices can also affect the longevity of your new restoration. We suggest avoiding sugary snacks, acidic beverages, and tobacco products, as they can lead to decay around the bridge or even cause staining. It’s also important to wear a mouthguard during contact sports or heavy exercise in order to protect your new smile from further damage.
Caring for your dental bridge properly will help ensure its strength and stability for many years to come. If you’re looking for a dental bridge in Coquitlam, contact Glen Park Dental today and get on track to improving your oral health. We are dedicated to providing top-notch care and achieving beautiful results for our patients.
Get in touch with us today at (604) 474-0403 or email us at info@glenparkdental.ca!