Dental Bridges in Calgary, AB
Closing the gaps in your smile can help you chew, feel and look better. The best time to discuss your teeth replacement options with your dentist is as soon as you lose your teeth. Unfortunately, too many tooth loss patients wait too long to seek dental restoration. This wait-and-see approach predisposes these individuals to long-term tooth loss complications, including bite and facial collapse, bone loss and reduced self-confidence.
Dental bridges in Calgary, AB are one way of replacing your missing teeth. A dental bridge consists of pontic or replacement teeth supported by adjacent natural teeth, or in some cases, implants. Reach out to East Hills Dental Clinic to find out more about dental bridges near you.
Types of Dental Bridges
We offer three types of bridges: traditional bridges, Maryland-bonded bridges, and implant-retained bridges.
Traditional bridges
A traditional dental bridge consists of one or more false teeth held together by crowns attached to two adjacent teeth, each on either side of the missing teeth gap.
Maryland-bonded bridges
Maryland-bonded bridges are similar to traditional bridges because they require two teeth for support. However, instead of dental crowns, Maryland bridges utilize porcelain or metal wings for support. These are bonded to the underside of the adjacent teeth.
Implant-supported bridges
Some patients don’t have natural teeth to support their bridges. If that’s the case, our dentists in Calgary, AB may prefer to use implant-supported bridges. Implant-retained bridges are supported by titanium screws implanted into the jaw, that is, tooth implants.
Dental Bridges Treatment Process
If you’re interested in dental bridges, our dentists near you must first examine you to determine if you’re a fitting candidate. The dentist obtains dental x-rays and other relevant scans to determine if you have cavities, gum disease and other dental problems. If so, these are addressed first.
To prepare your teeth for bridges, the dentist administers anesthesia and then files down or trims the two adjacent teeth to make sufficient room for the crowns. Next, the dentist obtains your impressions and shares these with the dental lab. The dental lab utilizes the impressions to create a custom bridge from your preferred material, typically porcelain or porcelain fused to metal.
Once the bridge is ready, the dentist checks it for fit before cementing the crowns to your natural teeth.
Please note that this treatment process may differ slightly depending on the type of dental bridge in use and your specific dental needs.
Are you curious to know more about dental bridges near you? Call East Hills Dental Clinic to speak with our dentists in Calgary, AB.
FAQs
Dental bridges are permanent dental devices used to replace one or more missing teeth. They function by anchoring an artificial tooth, known as a pontic, to the neighboring teeth or dental implants. This helps fill the gap left by the missing tooth or teeth, ensuring a complete and functional set of teeth.
Individuals eligible for dental bridges often possess one or more teeth that are absent, exhibit satisfactory oral health, and possess neighboring teeth that are in excellent condition and capable of providing support for the bridge.
There are several types of dental bridges to cater to different dental needs:
- Traditional Bridges: This type is the most common, Requiring one or more artificial teeth to be held in place by dental crowns on either side. They are suitable for patients with healthy teeth adjacent to the gap.
- Maryland Bonded Bridges: These involve a framework of either metal or porcelain material that is bonded onto the back of the adjacent teeth. They are a conservative option as they do not require as much alteration to the neighboring teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: These are anchored by dental implants rather than crowns. They are highly stable and are often used when multiple teeth are missing.
With diligent care and good oral hygiene, dental bridges can last from five to fifteen, and sometimes even longer. Regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, and maintaining good dental hygiene practices are crucial to extending the lifespan of a dental bridge.
Dental bridges offer several advantages, including:
- Restoring Your Smile: Filling the gap left by missing teeth helps in maintaining a complete and aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Maintaining Facial Structure: They help in maintaining the shape and structure of your face, preventing it from sagging over time.
- Distributing Bite Forces: Bridges ensure that bite forces are evenly distributed, reducing stress on individual teeth.
- Restoring Functionality: They restore the ability to chew and speak properly, enhancing overall oral function.
