A Look at the Treatment Process with Dental Bridges
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by using adjacent healthy teeth as anchor points. Bridges can restore the look and function of your smile for aesthetic and health reasons. Talk to your dentist if you are concerned about missing teeth and to find out if you are a candidate for a dental bridge.
Preparing Abutment Teeth
Your dentist first prepares the teeth that will act as anchor points, called abutment teeth. They will be fitted with dental crowns that hold the pontic, or fake tooth, between them. The dentist will use a drill to remove the outer portions of the tooth’s enamel. This shapes the teeth so they can receive crowns.
Taking Dental Impressions
Once the abutment teeth have been prepared, a dental impression is taken. This is the model from which the crowns and pontic will be constructed. The impression shows how your jaws fit together and the space to be filled. An impression ensures the crowns and pontic are the right shape and size for your mouth. If your bridge will be tooth-colored, the shade of your teeth will be recorded.
Placing a Temporary Bridge
A temporary bridge will be affixed to the abutment teeth while your permanent bridge is fabricated. Although temporary, it will protect your teeth and gums while you wait. Your dentist will tell you how to care for your teeth and the temporary bridge.
Securing the Permanent Bridge
When your permanent bridge arrives, the temporary bridge will be removed and your permanent bridge cemented into place over the abutment teeth. It may take several dental visits to ensure the fit and feel of your bridge is correct, and it may only be temporarily cemented into place during this time. Once you and your dentist are sure your bridge fits and functions correctly, it will be permanently cemented into place.
Are you interested in a dental bridge or other tooth replacement options? Call Art of Modern Dentistry at (312) 361-0683 to explore your options with one of our dentists. Visit our website for more information on our Chicago practice and to learn more about your dental health.
More from Dentist Chicago | Art Of Modern Dentistry: dentist Chicago , Art of Modern Dentistry , dental bridges chicago
Preparing Abutment Teeth
Your dentist first prepares the teeth that will act as anchor points, called abutment teeth. They will be fitted with dental crowns that hold the pontic, or fake tooth, between them. The dentist will use a drill to remove the outer portions of the tooth’s enamel. This shapes the teeth so they can receive crowns.
Taking Dental Impressions
Once the abutment teeth have been prepared, a dental impression is taken. This is the model from which the crowns and pontic will be constructed. The impression shows how your jaws fit together and the space to be filled. An impression ensures the crowns and pontic are the right shape and size for your mouth. If your bridge will be tooth-colored, the shade of your teeth will be recorded.
Placing a Temporary Bridge
A temporary bridge will be affixed to the abutment teeth while your permanent bridge is fabricated. Although temporary, it will protect your teeth and gums while you wait. Your dentist will tell you how to care for your teeth and the temporary bridge.
Securing the Permanent Bridge
When your permanent bridge arrives, the temporary bridge will be removed and your permanent bridge cemented into place over the abutment teeth. It may take several dental visits to ensure the fit and feel of your bridge is correct, and it may only be temporarily cemented into place during this time. Once you and your dentist are sure your bridge fits and functions correctly, it will be permanently cemented into place.
Are you interested in a dental bridge or other tooth replacement options? Call Art of Modern Dentistry at (312) 361-0683 to explore your options with one of our dentists. Visit our website for more information on our Chicago practice and to learn more about your dental health.
More from Dentist Chicago | Art Of Modern Dentistry: dentist Chicago , Art of Modern Dentistry , dental bridges chicago