A dental bridge is used when a tooth is completely missing and the patient has been left with a painful gap, a gap that oftentimes causes problems with the patient’s speech and ability to eat. This procedure can be done strictly for cosmetic reasons but the benefits for your dental health are plentiful. Not only does a bridge restore your smile to its natural state, but it also restores your ability to chew and speak properly, maintains your natural face shape, and prevents the teeth around the gap from drifting. The imbalance that is caused by missing teeth can result in more serious conditions such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and gum disease if left untreated.
There are three major types of bridges:
- Traditional bridge – a crown is built on each of the teeth surrounding the gap and a false tooth is placed in the middle.
- Cantilever bridge – this type is used when there is only one adjacent tooth next to the gap.
- Maryland bridge – in this method, plastic teeth and gums are supported by a metal framework with metal wings that are bonded on each side to your existing teeth.
There are also implant-supported bridges, in which dental implants serve as the anchors for dental prosthetics. This method is recommended when two or more adjacent teeth are missing.
Bridges can be built directly into the mouth or they can be fabricated in an outside laboratory after an impression is taken of the mouth in-office. Bridges are usually constructed out of a combination of porcelain and gold, and sometimes porcelain fused with metal.
Dr. Lefort is experienced in all methods and looks forward to restoring your smile!
When looking for Fort Myers bridges, consider Dr. Raymond Lefort, Southwest Florida’s leading dentist.