When you have between one or three missing teeth then our team can offer a custom-made dental bridge to restore function and beauty to the smile. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI, dentist talks about our bridges, and the steps patients can take to ensure they last for many years to come!
Creating a Custom Prosthetic
How do we create them and ensure they match your smile seamlessly? Well, first we remove structure from the teeth on either side of the exposed gap in your smile. We refer to these as abutment teeth. We then take detailed impressions of the teeth, which we will use to design and create your new prosthetic. The bridge will contain the pontics, or replacement teeth, with crowns attached to each side. The crowns will be placed onto the abutment teeth and used to secure the new ones firmly in place. We will craft them from strong and lifelike materials, such as ceramic, to ensure they match your smile and provide a comfortable fit.
Caring for Your New Bridge
To keep them strong, you should brush them with the rest of your smile when you wake up and again before bed, preferably using a fluoride toothpaste. You also need to floss around them before bed each night. These actions help remove food particles that could feed harmful bacteria and lead to decay and gum disease, factors that could impact the abutment teeth and your new prosthetic’s stability. You also need to clean the space between the top of your gums and the bottom of your prosthetic, where food particles could accumulate and become trapped.
The Benefits of Addressing Missing Teeth
Replacing missing teeth helps prevent nearby ones from shifting due to the gap in your smile, as these shifts could lead to dental misalignment and with it, an increased risk of cavities and gum disease. Addressing missing teeth also reduces the risk of TMJ disorder and bruxism, two issues linked to serious discomfort and poor oral health. Finally, you will be able to eat your favorite foods and enjoy smiling with confidence! If you have any questions about addressing tooth loss, or about what you can do to ensure you new bridge lasts for 10 to 15 years, or possibly even longer, then contact our team today. We would love to help you enjoy your best possible smile!
Ready for a Full Smile Once More?
For people with one or more missing teeth, we can create a custom-made prosthetic that looks completely natural. If you have one lost tooth, or have lost a majority of them, then please see us to discuss possible solutions. For more information on prosthetic dentistry, or to schedule a consultation, call the office of James Stewart, DDS in Livonia, MI, today at (734) 425-4400.