Professional teeth whitening costs can be minimal when compared to more complex treatment with porcelain restorations.
When a tooth or multiple teeth are lost, the surrounding teeth may shift and tilt toward the vacant space once occupied by the missing tooth or teeth.
This movement of the teeth changes the direction of force exerted on the remaining teeth, their roots, and the jaws during chewing. These altered forces can expedite the displacement of teeth and lead to adjacent teeth shifting upward or downward, potentially causing them to loosen or fall out of their sockets. Moreover, this dental misalignment can impact chewing function, speech, and facial aesthetics, potentially leading to premature wrinkles and age lines.
Dental bridges offer a solution to correct bite misalignment, restore chewing function and speech, and prevent the collapse of facial features. A dental bridge consists of a prosthetic tooth or teeth anchored between two porcelain crowns, filling the gap left by the missing tooth or teeth.
The false tooth is supported by the adjacent crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth on either side of the gap, creating a fixed bridge. This procedure effectively replaces one or more missing teeth and provides a permanent solution for dental restoration.
There are 3 types of bridges
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Traditional Fixed Bridges:
A dental bridge comprises a prosthetic tooth, called a pontic, positioned between two porcelain crowns to replace a missing tooth. These crowns are affixed to the natural teeth adjacent to the gap, securing the pontic in place. Referred to as a fixed bridge, this method serves to restore one or more missing teeth and is a permanent fixture within the mouth, unlike removable partial dentures.
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Resin-Bonded Bridges:
Resin-bonded bridges, commonly utilized for front teeth, involve the fusion of the false tooth to metal bands. These bands are then bonded to the abutment teeth using resin, with the bonding material concealed from view.
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Cantilever Bridges:
In areas of the mouth subject to minimal stress, such as the front teeth, a cantilever bridge may be recommended. This type of bridge is employed when teeth are present only on one side of the gap. The procedure entails securing the false tooth to one side, utilizing one or more natural adjacent teeth as support.
