Your Slave Lake Invisalign® Provider
What is a dental bridge?
Dental bridges are, as the name suggests, restorations that 'bridge' the gap between two healthy teeth (or dental implants) to help restore both eh appearance and function of a patient's smile.
But you are no doubt wondering, 'how, exactly, does this procedure work?" Well, our Slave Lake dentists are here to explain all of this to you.
Assessment
During the assessment portion of the appointment, your dentist will speak with you about your options for replacing missing teeth. In addition to dental bridges, dentures and dental implants may also be considered.
Your dentist will make a recommendation for you based on your requirements and financial constraints. If you decide on a dental bridge, the following steps will be taken to begin your treatment:
Preparation & Temporary Bridge Placement
Dental bridges are attached to healthy teeth or other restorations on either side of a gap in your smile in order to fill the space. A dentist will need to shape the abutting teeth first to ensure they are properly positioned to hold a bridge.
A local anesthetic will be administered to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible throughout this procedure.
Once a dentist has completed the shaping process, an impression of the shaped teeth will be taken and sent to a dental lab along with samples of your tooth colour. Technicians will construct the bridge on the basis of the impressions made there. The colour, size, and shape of your new prosthetic teeth will be closely matched to the colour, size, and shape of your natural teeth.
While your permanent bridge is being built, you may be provided with a temporary bridge to wear so that you are comfortable in the meantime.
Permanent Bridge Placement
It will be possible to install your new, custom-made bridge once it has been completed. During this procedure, a local anesthetic will be administered to ensure that you remain comfortable.
Your temporary bridge will be removed by the dentist, who will then be careful to clean the teeth surrounding the gap. When a dental bridge is attached to the abutment teeth, dental cement will generally be used to hold it in place.
Once this is completed, the dentist will show you what the bridge looks like in your mouth and ask you to practice biting down with it a few times before completing the procedure. At first, you should expect it to feel a little strange, but this will pass quickly.
After Care
After your dental bridge has been placed in your mouth, you will be able to care for it in the same way you care for your natural teeth. Your dental bridge will likely last for a number of years if maintained properly with regular brushing and flossing in addition to regular visits to the dentists for cleanings and checkups.