There are many dental procedures that you can undergo to improve your smile. One such common treatment is the dental bridge, which is used to fill in gaps where one or more teeth have been lost.
A bridge is composed of two crowns that are attached to either side of the missing tooth, with a false tooth or teeth in between. It is a cosmetically pleasing option so some people may wonder if it will affect the normal function of the mouth, such as biting and chewing.
So we had a chat with Dr. Ernesto Carmona, a top dentist in Austin, Tx to find out how dental bridges work and whether they can affect your teeth.
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How Do Dental Bridges Work?
A dental bridge is a tooth-replacement device that is used to fill the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It is made up of either metal or porcelain crowns, which are fixed in place and cannot be removed as dentures can.
Bridges are used not just for replacing missing teeth but even for strengthening or protecting a weakened tooth after a root canal procedure.
The material used for dental bridges is quite studied and can last up to 15-20 years with good care. Dental bridges also don’t get infected like normal teeth but poor oral hygiene can lead to infection in the area.
Do Dental Bridges Affect Mouth Function?
We need a full set of teeth not just for a beautiful smile but also to help chew food and speak. And missing several teeth can change your jaw structure affecting the way you speak or bite.
A dental bridge prevents this by maintaining your jaw structure and avoiding neighboring teeth from moving around due to the space. It also prevents bone loss and keeps your facial features intact.
The main concern with bridges is that they can affect the normal function of the teeth and jaw. This is far from true. By replacing your missing teeth and protecting weak teeth, dental bridges can help you retain your mouth function.
They are sturdy enough to handle the pressure of chewing food. When you get a new bridge fitted, you may initially take time to get used to the space being filled out.
But once you get used to it, you will be able to talk, eat and smile freely. Dental bridges have helped several people improve their self-confidence and shine in social situations.
Things To Keep In Mind While Getting Dental Bridges.
Dental bridges can help retain mouth function as your age advances by replacing any teeth that feel out. But always make sure they are fabricated well and fitted perfectly.
If you feel a change in the way your teeth sit together, call up your dentist to have them refitted.
You can visit Dr. Carmona’s Austin Prosthetic Dental to get high-quality dental bridges in Austin, Tx. Dr. Carmona has transformed the smiles of thousands of patients in his two decades of practice.
He also offers a 7-year warranty for any manufacturing defects in your dental restoration. So call his clinic right away to get the best dental bridges in Austin.