It is important to note that dental bridges replace missing teeth and enhance both oral function and aesthetic appearance. A dental bridge typically consists of one or more pontics (false teeth) and two or more crowns. The adjacent abutment teeth anchor the dental crown. At Zara Dental, we use porcelain to create dental bridges that closely resemble your natural teeth. However, certain dentists make bridges with gold, alloys, and other materials.
A dental bridge is a great solution to close the space between your teeth if one or more of your teeth have fallen out. Speaking and eating difficulties, jaw pain, difficulty chewing, poor nutrition, and low self-esteem are all possible effects of missing teeth.
The absence of a tooth or multiple teeth can significantly impact one’s self-confidence as it modifies both the aesthetics and oral function. Apart from the apparent cosmetic drawbacks, the absence of teeth can result in tooth movement, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, altered bite, speech difficulties, increased susceptibility to tooth decay, and a significantly elevated risk of periodontal disease. At Zara Dental Services, we strive to provide you with ample opportunities to obtain the necessary and cost-effective dental bridge. Additionally, we encourage you to ask any questions and seek clarification during the bridging process.
Restore Missing Teeth
Dental bridges can help to fill gaps in your smile caused by missing teeth. They are custom-made to match your existing teeth and provide a natural-looking solution.
Prevent Further Dental Issues
Gaps in your smile can lead to other dental problems such as shifting teeth, bite issues, and gum disease. Bridges can help to prevent these issues and maintain a healthy mouth.
Improve Your Smile
Patients appreciate the aesthetic improvements that cosmetic dentistry can provide. Indeed, a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile can serve as a valuable tool in creating a positive impression.
Enhance Chewing Ability
Missing teeth can make chewing and eating certain foods difficult. Dental bridges can restore the ability to eat a wider variety of foods, improving your overall diet and nutrition.
Preserve Facial Structure
Missing teeth can cause the cheeks to sag and the jawline to recede, giving an older appearance. Bridges can help maintain your face's shape and prevent premature aging.
Durable and Long-lasting
With proper care and good oral hygiene, your dental bridges can last many years, providing a reliable and effective solution for your missing teeth.
In order to install dental bridges, it is often necessary to shape the teeth surrounding the area where one or more teeth are missing. Then, we will place a crown on each shaped tooth to attach the artificial tooth. Alternatively, if the patient’s anterior teeth require replacement, the dentist may opt for a resin-bonded bridge, provided that the patient’s gums are healthy and the adjacent teeth do not have extensive fillings.
The specific kind of dental bridges and the process of attaching the bridge might vary. You can trust the experts at Zara Dental Services in Houston to work with you to determine the best solution for your smile.
There are three main kinds of dental bridges:
Traditional Dental Bridges
In the case of traditional bridges, a dental crown is on the tooth or implant adjacent to the missing tooth, with a pontic in the middle to replace the missing tooth. Most bridges in dentistry are traditional bridges, consisting of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
Cantilever Bridges
When there are teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth, the dentist will employ a cantilever bridge. It's no longer very frequent, and we don't recommend it in the rear of your mouth, where it could put too much pressure on other teeth and injure them.
Maryland Bonded Bridges
Maryland bonded bridges, also known as resin-bonded bridges or Maryland bridges, are dental restorations that consist of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal or porcelain framework.
We recommend having your bridge evaluated if you notice any alterations in your chewing or biting habits. Please inform us if you are experiencing any discomfort, bleeding, inflammation, or discoloration in the vicinity of the dental bridge.
It is imperative to emphasize the significance of preserving the health and strength of the remaining teeth to guarantee the triumph of the dental bridge, depending on the type selected. We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can ultimately result in tooth loss. At Zara Dental, we can demonstrate the proper teeth brushing and flossing technique. Furthermore, adhering to a routine dental cleaning regimen will aid in promptly identifying and efficiently treating any issues. Selecting a well-balanced diet is crucial for maintaining good nutrition.
Regarding dental crowns and bridges in Houston, it can be challenging for some people to figure out which one will work best for them. Remember that a crown is ideal for a fractured tooth that is still functional when determining which dental procedure in Houston is best for you. However, a dental bridge is preferable if a tooth is missing or irreparably damaged.
Visit our Houston dentists for a full oral exam. Doing this is the easiest approach to determine what kind of dental care you require. They can look at your teeth and gums and devise a treatment plan that is just right for you.
We will be glad to file a predetermination for you to verify coverage of any necessary dental treatment. And we accept most PPO insurances.