Missing teeth can be quite distressful for an individual. He/she fears to smile, and his behavior becomes unnatural because of that. In addition, a lot of inferiority complexes appear. That is why restoring missing teeth is necessary, because of cosmetic reasons. But, the state of health is important as well. Even without one tooth, an individual cannot chew his/her food properly, which may lead to problems and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. If the bite is healthy, the teeth serve as a support for each other, and with absence of one of them, the support is broken, the stress is changed, and teeth are displaced and move to the direction of the missing tooth. The balance of the bite is disturbed.
If you lost the tooth or teeth as a result of an accident or disease, the space that appeared on the place should be covered with a denture or dental bridge. To apply these bridges is possible only in case if on the both sides from the gap there are other teeth that will help in bridge affixing. You should talk about dental bridges with your dentist. He/she will advise the type of bridge required for you according to your situation.
There are several types of dental bridges, but some of them are not suitable for everybody. The choice depends on the condition and health of the adjacent teeth. There are the following types of bridges that can be distinguished traditional fixed bridge, cantilever bridge, bonded bridge, and also some others.
The traditional fixed bridge is the most commonly used. It may be produced from ceramic, metal, or porcelain. The process of application of a porcelain bridge usually takes two appointments of the dentist, while it may serve you during many years. The teeth on the both sides from the missing tooth should be thoroughly prepared. They are re-contoured, and a portion of enamel is removed for crowns. If there is the filling in the abutment teeth, it will be like a foundation for the crowns.
The dentist takes impressions of your teeth in order to produce unique false teeth and crowns in the dental laboratory. Usually, you are offered to accommodate the temporal bridge that will be the substitute for your future permanent porcelain bridge, unless the last is made. While on your second visit, the temporary bridge will be removed and the permanent one will be affixed.
A porcelain bridge is very durable and, in comparison with ceramic or metal dental bridges, it looks more natural, has the natural shine, and almost does not differ from a natural tooth. The advantage of these bridges is also that they are easily placed and do not need multiple visits to the dentists. But, unfortunately, a porcelain bridge is expensive and not all the patients can afford to have it. Moreover, it is quite difficult to get used to new bridges in the month, and many patients complain that they feel something alien in the mouth. Usually, after several weeks, this feeling disappears.
With the bridges on your teeth, you should watch over your oral health thoroughly. It is recommended to brush your teeth twice a day, and floss after every meal in order to avoid tooth decay and damage of the bridge.