For patients suffering from a missing tooth or teeth, one cosmetic procedure that can restore the appearance of a full set is a dental bridge. By bonding a dental bridge to existing teeth either side of the gap, a dentist can create a natural looking and seamless artificial bridge.
Dental bridges are a tried and tested method of cosmetic dentistry that not only enhance the visual appearance of the teeth but can have other more significant and long lasting benefits. If left untreated, the gaps left by missing teeth can have adverse effects on the remaining natural teeth of a patient. Teeth either side of the hole will naturally lean into the empty space. This will have a negative effect on the bite and profile of the patient and can cause sagging of the facial muscles giving a sunken appearance. Even slight adjustments in bite can lead to uncomfortable irritation and unconscious teeth grinding, known as bruxism, which can have very detrimental effects on the teeth. It is also common for bacteria to thrive in the hollows left by missing teeth unless a very strict regime of oral hygiene is observed.
The three main types of dental bridge are the traditional fixed bridge – when the bridge is attached to two crowns, one either side of the bridge; the resin bonded bridge – when the bridge is bonded to existing teeth with metal strips and composite resin usually for patients with healthy existing teeth; and the cantilever bridge – when there are only existing teeth on one side of the missing tooth and the bridge needs to be secured to two or more teeth on that side. A City of Leeds dentist will be able to assess which bridge will be most effective for you.
Usually requiring several visits to the dentist to fit, a dental bridge is usually a fairly pain-free procedure that can restore the appearance of natural teeth for up to seven years, with good cleaning, oral hygiene and regular check ups with a City of Leeds dentist.
Tags: bruxism, dental bridge, missing tooth, oral hygiene, teeth grinding
