When it comes to restoring your smile, dental bridges are a popular and effective treatment option. Offered at Cedar Smiles Dentistry in Bellflower, dental bridges are a type of dental appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth. They literally bridge the gap where the teeth are missing. Dental bridges are made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap, and a false tooth or teeth in between. These false teeth can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants, giving you a natural-looking and functional smile.
Missing teeth can cause a multitude of problems, from aesthetic issues to functional ones. Getting dental bridges can solve these problems and more. Dental bridges can restore your smile, maintain the shape of your face, and distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth. They also prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position, which can lead to more serious dental problems down the line. At Cedar Smiles Dentistry, Dr. Mina Girgis ensures that your dental bridges are customized to fit your mouth perfectly, providing comfort and longevity.
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One of the most obvious benefits of dental bridges is the restoration of your smile. Missing teeth can cause a person to feel self-conscious about their appearance. Dental bridges fill in these gaps with prosthetic teeth that look and feel like natural teeth, boosting your confidence and self-esteem.
Missing teeth can make it hard to speak clearly and eat properly. Dental bridges restore these functions by replacing the missing teeth. They distribute the biting force evenly across the teeth, preventing any discomfort or pain when eating. Furthermore, they can help improve speech clarity that might have been affected by missing teeth.
With proper care and regular dental check-ups, dental bridges can last for many years. They offer a durable and long-term solution for missing teeth. Unlike removable dentures, dental bridges are fixed in your mouth, providing a stable and reliable solution that you can trust.
The first step in the dental bridge process is a consultation with Dr. Mina Girgis. During this appointment, he will examine your teeth and determine if a dental bridge is the best solution for you. If it is, the teeth on either side of the gap will be prepared. This involves recontouring these teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them.
Next, impressions of your teeth are made, which will serve as a model from which the dental bridge, pontic (false tooth), and crowns will be made by a dental lab. Dr. Girgis will make a temporary bridge to wear to protect the exposed teeth and gums while your bridge is being made.
Once your permanent 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 dependent on each individual's case.