Vistabella Dental Clinic

Dental Excellence with a Creative Touch

Create a sleek, modern SVG email icon with a minimalist envelope design. The envelope should have clean lines and a subtle shadow for depth. Use a gradient or solid color scheme that matches a professional dental clinic's aesthetic—soft blues, whites, or teals. Ensure the icon is crisp, scalable, and simple, making it clear at any size. Avoid excessive details; keep it elegant and polished for a refined web interface
Create a sleek, modern SVG phone icon with a minimalist design. The icon should feature a classic handset shape with smooth curves and a subtle shadow for depth. Use a gradient or solid color scheme that complements a professional dental clinic’s aesthetic—soft blues, whites, or teals. Ensure the icon is crisp, scalable, and simple, making it clear at any size. Avoid excessive details; keep it elegant and polished for a refined web interface
Create a sleek, modern SVG email icon with a minimalist envelope design. The envelope should have clean lines and a subtle shadow for depth. Use a gradient or solid color scheme that matches a professional dental clinic's aesthetic—soft blues, whites, or teals. Ensure the icon is crisp, scalable, and simple, making it clear at any size. Avoid excessive details; keep it elegant and polished for a refined web interface

Bridges

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between them. A bridge is supported by the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. The procedure for placing a dental bridge typically takes two to three visits to the dentist. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how the procedure works:

1. Initial Consultation and Examination

  • Dental Examination: The dentist will begin by examining your mouth and taking X-rays to assess the health of the surrounding teeth and gums. This is important because the teeth on either side of the gap (called abutment teeth) must be strong and healthy enough to support the bridge.
  • Treatment Planning: The dentist will discuss the type of bridge that is best for your situation (e.g., traditional bridge, cantilever bridge, Maryland bridge, or implant-supported bridge) and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
  • Assessment of Oral Health: If the abutment teeth are weakened due to decay or gum disease, these issues will need to be addressed before proceeding with the bridge.

2. Tooth Preparation (First Visit)

  • Local Anesthesia: Before starting, the dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the abutment teeth to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
  • Shaping the Abutment Teeth: The dentist will prepare the abutment teeth by removing some of the enamel. This is done to make space for the crowns that will hold the bridge. The amount of enamel removed will depend on the type of bridge and how much space is needed for the crown to fit properly.
  • Impression of the Teeth: Once the abutment teeth are shaped, the dentist will take an impression of the prepared teeth and the gap. This can be done with traditional putty or with a digital scanner. The impression will be used to create a custom bridge that fits your mouth perfectly.
  • Temporary Bridge Placement: Since the permanent bridge is custom-made, it takes time to create (usually about 2-3 weeks). To protect your prepared abutment teeth in the meantime, the dentist will place a temporary bridge. This temporary bridge is made of acrylic or a similar material and is designed to cover the abutment teeth and fill the gap until the permanent bridge is ready.

3. Fabrication of the Permanent Bridge

  • Sending the Impression to the Lab: The impression taken during your visit will be sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians will create a custom-made bridge based on your specific needs. The permanent bridge may be made from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a porcelain-fused-to-metal combination, depending on the location of the missing teeth and your aesthetic preferences.
  • Creating the Bridge: The lab will craft the bridge to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, ensuring that it fits perfectly in the gap and blends seamlessly with the rest of your teeth.

4. Placing the Permanent Bridge (Second Visit)

  • Removing the Temporary Bridge: When you return for the placement of the permanent bridge, the dentist will remove the temporary bridge.
  • Fitting the Permanent Bridge: The dentist will place the permanent bridge over the prepared abutment teeth and check the fit, comfort, and appearance. The bridge will be tested to ensure that your bite is properly aligned, and adjustments will be made as needed.
  • Ensuring Proper Bite: The dentist will check your bite to make sure the bridge fits correctly and doesn’t interfere with how your teeth come together when you bite down. If necessary, the dentist will adjust the shape of the bridge to ensure proper alignment.
  • Cementing the Bridge: Once the fit is confirmed, the dentist will use a strong dental adhesive to permanently cement the bridge into place. The adhesive will bond the crowns to the abutment teeth, securing the bridge.

5. Final Adjustments and Polishing

  • Final Adjustments: The dentist will check your bite one more time and make any final adjustments if necessary. This ensures that the bridge feels comfortable and natural.
  • Polishing: After confirming that the bridge is securely in place, the dentist will polish it to give it a smooth, natural-looking finish.
  • Instructions for Care: The dentist will provide instructions on how to care for your new bridge, including brushing and flossing. Special floss may be recommended to clean under the bridge. It’s important to keep the area around the bridge clean to prevent plaque buildup, decay, and gum disease.

6. Follow-Up Appointment (Optional)

  • Check-Up: A follow-up appointment may be scheduled a few weeks later to ensure that the bridge is functioning well and that there are no issues with your bite, gums, or the bridge itself.
  • Adjustments (if needed): If you experience any discomfort or notice any issues with the fit of the bridge, the dentist will make adjustments to ensure that it fits properly.

Types of Dental Bridges:

There are several types of bridges, and the appropriate type will depend on your specific situation:

  • Traditional Bridge: The most common type, where a crown is placed on the abutment teeth on either side of the gap, and a false tooth (pontic) fills the space.
  • Cantilever Bridge: Used when there is only one adjacent tooth to support the bridge. The false tooth is anchored to only one abutment tooth.
  • Maryland Bridge: A conservative option that involves bonding the bridge to the back of the abutment teeth using a metal or porcelain framework. It is often used for front teeth.
  • Implant-Supported Bridge: This type uses dental implants instead of natural teeth for support, making it a good option when the abutment teeth are not suitable for crowns.

Advantages of Dental Bridges:

  • Restores Function: A dental bridge helps restore the ability to chew and speak properly, improving the overall function of your mouth.
  • Improves Appearance: A bridge fills the gap created by missing teeth, improving the aesthetics of your smile and facial structure.
  • Prevents Teeth Shifting: The bridge helps prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting out of position, which can lead to further dental problems.
  • Durable and Long-Lasting: With proper care, dental bridges can last many years (typically 10-15 years or more).

Considerations or Disadvantages:

  • Tooth Reduction: The abutment teeth need to be prepared by removing some enamel, which may make them more susceptible to sensitivity or future damage.
  • Not as Durable as Implants: While bridges are durable, dental implants are considered a more permanent and long-term solution.
  • Gum Recession: Over time, the gums around the bridge may recede, which could affect the appearance and function of the bridge.

Aftercare:

  • Good Oral Hygiene: It’s important to maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. Special floss or tools (like floss threaders) can help clean under the bridge.
  • Regular Dental Visits: Regular check-ups are essential to ensure the bridge is in good condition, and to monitor the health of the surrounding teeth and gums.
  • Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Be cautious when eating hard or sticky foods, as they could damage the bridge or cause it to become loose.

Conclusion:

The procedure to place a dental bridge involves preparing the abutment teeth, taking impressions, placing a temporary bridge, and then fitting and cementing the permanent bridge. It’s an effective way to restore missing teeth, improve appearance, and maintain the function of your bite. With proper care, a dental bridge can last for many years and help prevent further dental problems.

Fill the Gap – Get a Perfect Dental Bridge Today!