A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that is anchored on to existing teeth either by using two adjacent dental crowns or resin-bonded strips. The artificial tooth, known as the pontic, is fused between the crowns or strips to create the appearance of a natural tooth and restore the appearance of the dental arc.
Teeth can be missing for a variety of reasons, including sporting injury, decay or even simply old age. Missing teeth not only have dental consequences by causing other movement in the dental arc but they can also be the source of great embarrassment and self-esteem issues.
Teeth act as rigid supports for the facial muscles and one or more missing teeth can alter the way the tissue appears on the face. Ultimately it can cause irreversible tissue sagging that can add years to the appearance of a patient. Missing teeth can also cause movement that leads to painful jaw conditions called TMJs and teeth grinding. It can also have negative impacts on speech and eating methods.
Replacing missing teeth with artificial dental substitutes can help avoid any alteration in profile and reduce the strain on the teeth either side of the missing tooth. This can also help prevent gum disease and bacteria build up in the hollow left by a lost tooth.
Dental bridges are usually made from porcelain and porcelain bonded metal. For the more extroverted patient they can also be manufactured from gold. They normally take at least two appointments at the dentist to allow for crowns and resin to set before the pontic is fixed. If properly cared for with correct brushing and cleaning, a dental bridge can last for up to fifteen years. If you are suffering from a missing tooth and are looking for an artificial replacement, ask a Central Leeds dentist about a dental bridge.
Tags: dental bridge, gum disease, missing teeth, tmj
