Tooth loss is something that nobody wishes for. In most cases, it is a result of an accident or impact, but you can also undergo extractions from decay. If you are 45 years old or older, you may have lost a tooth. In fact, over 80% of adults who lose their teeth lose them because of disease. No matter how you have lost your teeth, you're going to want to find a way to get your smile back. At Michael Regan, DMD Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry we can help you with your tooth loss by offering dental bridges.Complete Fixed Bridges (Non-Removable)
If you have experienced the loss of multiple teeth, it is important to be informed about what you should do next. There are many procedures that can be performed by our team in order to assist you in your goal of restoring your smile. One procedure that will lead to immediate improvement is the complete fixed bridge.
Complete fixed bridges are a permanent, non-removable option that will provide you with a set of teeth to replace the ones that are missing. Complete fixed bridges are generally made of porcelain or other materials that can accurately mimic natural teeth. They also provide the strength that will allow you to enjoy the foods that you love.
While bridges generally require nearby teeth to act as abutments, complete fixed bridges require the use of dental implants in order to secure them in place. This may be a great solution for you if you are looking for a permanent restorative treatment. Contact our professionals at Michael Regan, DMD Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry for more information.
Complete Fixed Bridges Procedure
Fitting complete fixed bridges begins with the process of dental implants. Dental implants, which mimic the roots of natural teeth, are small titanium poles that are placed along the jawline in a surgical procedure. In order to have a successful operation, a good amount of healthy jawbone is required to support the implant. If you do not have sufficient bone, we can perform a bone graft to assist in regeneration prior to the implant process. The dental implant procedure is generally performed over two appointments.
After your dental implants have healed properly, you will be fitted for your bridges with an impression that will be sent to a dental laboratory. Once your custom bridges are created and returned to our office, we will fit the prosthetic and the restoration will be complete.
Caring for Complete Fixed Bridges
The best way to care for your bridges is to follow general oral healthcare guidelines as suggested for natural teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use a non-abrasive toothpaste containing fluoride.
After your restoration is complete, we will schedule at least one follow-up appointment. Ensure you attend this appointment, in addition to regularly scheduled cleanings, so that we can be sure your teeth are clean, healthy, and adapting well to the prosthetic. Maintaining good oral health will help you to combat tooth decay and enjoy the permanence of your new smile. While our bridges can help to achieve a beautiful smile, it is important to note that preventing gum disease and other dental issues will keep your mouth healthy and free of other potentially costly troubles.
Is a Complete Fixed Bridge Right for You?
If you are missing all of your top or bottom teeth, or if you are already using a set of complete dentures, a complete fixed bridge could be a great upgrade that can vastly improve your quality of life. Dentures can slip and click when doing everyday things like laughing and eating. Food can get stuck beneath them, causing infections. They have to be removed nightly for cleaning, and even with the best maintenance still wear out. Long-term use can actually erode your gums and jawbone. And on top of all that, dentures can never match your natural teeth as well as other options. If you have experienced any of these issues, then a complete fixed bridge might be right for you.
Anterior Bridges
Missing even a single tooth can be devastating to your oral health, but when it is a front tooth that is missing it comes with all those same health risks plus the embarrassment of a visibly missing tooth. An anterior bridge can be an ideal solution for this issue. Here at Michael Regan, DMD Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, we can help you decide if an anterior bridge is right for you, and if so, we can help you get it placed so that you can have your smile back, and better than ever.
What Is an Anterior Bridge?
An anterior bridge is a specialized type of a standard dental bridge. A traditional bridge is a dental appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth that are right next to each other. We use a pair of crowns, special "caps" that fit over the surface of natural teeth, to anchor, or "bridge," a replacement tooth. An anterior bridge works on the same principle, but we take extra care and effort to precisely match the cosmetics of the bridge to the rest of your mouth, since your front teeth are the most visible part of your smile.
Types and Materials for Anterior Bridges
Anterior bridges can be constructed from a number of different materials, each with their own advantages and disadvantages, so you can pick what works best for your particular oral health needs. Gold and porcelain are both durable, but gold is more noticeable than porcelain, which can perfectly match the rest of your teeth. Alloys are typically the more cost-effective option.
Dental Bridge Milwaukie
Finding a natural-looking solution for missing teeth is entirely possible, thanks to new innovations in dentistry. Dental bridges are a wonderful option if you want a permanent fix for your smile. While bridges have been an integral part of tooth restoration for years, the use of dental implants has enhanced the procedure, giving people all over the world an opportunity to love their teeth again.
If you would like to learn more about dental bridges, contact Michael Regan, DMD Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry today at 503-654-8283 to consult with one of our professionals.