Quick Answer: Traditional dental bridges London, ON are fixed dental restorations used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth permanently to adjacent teeth or dental implants. This treatment restores your ability to chew and speak properly while maintaining the natural shape of your face.
Understanding Traditional Dental Bridges London, ON
Traditional dental bridges London, ON provide a time-tested solution for patients looking to fill gaps in their smiles. Specifically, these restorations consist of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, held in place by dental crowns. These crowns are cemented onto the natural teeth surrounding the empty space. At Northwest Family Dental, we focus on creating bridges that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Consequently, your smile looks complete and functions effectively. Furthermore, replacing missing teeth is vital for your long-term oral health.
According to the Canadian Dental Association, missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to shift or rotate into the empty spaces. This movement often results in a bad bite. Additionally, the imbalance caused by missing teeth can lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Therefore, seeking restorative care at Northwest Family Dental is a proactive step for your dental well-being.
The Benefits of Restorative Bridges
Choosing traditional dental bridges London, ON offers several significant advantages for your daily life. Firstly, a bridge restores your smile’s aesthetic appeal. Secondly, it allows you to chew food properly again. Moreover, bridges help maintain the shape of your face by providing support to your lips and cheeks. Specifically, without the support of teeth, facial muscles can sag over time. However, a well-placed bridge prevents this premature aging effect. Additionally, bridges distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth. This prevents excessive wear on your remaining natural teeth.
Long-Term Durability
Traditional dental bridges London, ON are known for their impressive longevity. Most bridges last five to fifteen years, and sometimes even longer with excellent care. Specifically, professional cleanings and regular checkups at Northwest Family Dental ensure your restoration remains in top condition. Furthermore, the materials used today, such as high-quality porcelain, are incredibly strong. Consequently, you can feel confident in the durability of your dental work during daily activities.
The Bridge Placement Process
The process for receiving traditional dental bridges London, ON typically requires two visits to our clinic. During the first visit, we prepare the abutment teeth. Specifically, this involves recontouring these teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them. Next, we take impressions of your teeth. These impressions serve as a model from which the bridge, pontic, and crowns will be made by a dental laboratory. Furthermore, we will provide a temporary bridge to wear while your permanent one is being crafted.
During the second visit, your permanent bridge is checked and adjusted to achieve a proper fit. Specifically, we ensure the bite is comfortable and the color matches your surrounding teeth. Consequently, once the fit is perfect, the bridge is permanently cemented into place. However, we may use temporary cement for a few weeks to ensure the bridge fits your bite perfectly before permanent placement.
Maintaining Your Oral Health
Maintaining traditional dental bridges London, ON requires a commitment to excellent oral hygiene. It is critical to keep the remaining teeth healthy, as the success of the bridge depends on the solid foundation offered by the surrounding teeth. Specifically, brushing twice a day and flossing daily helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Furthermore, using a bridge threader or interdental brush can help you clean the hard-to-reach areas under the pontic. Therefore, consistent home care combined with professional dental visits will protect your investment.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Are you ready to restore your smile with traditional dental bridges London, ON? Contact Northwest Family Dental today to book your appointment. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality restorative care in a comfortable environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental bridges last?
Traditional dental bridges can last between five and fifteen years. However, with excellent oral hygiene and regular professional checkups at Northwest Family Dental, many bridges last even longer. Specifically, avoiding hard foods and maintaining gum health are key factors in longevity.
Is the process for getting a bridge painful?
The process is generally comfortable because we use local anesthesia while preparing the teeth. Consequently, you should not feel pain during the procedure. However, you may experience some mild sensitivity in the days following the appointment as your mouth adjusts.
How do I clean under a dental bridge?
Cleaning under the artificial tooth is essential for preventing gum irritation. Specifically, you should use a bridge threader or specialized dental floss designed for bridges. Additionally, an oral irrigator can be very effective at removing debris from tight spaces.
Sources & References
- Canadian Dental Association (CDA)
- Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO)
- Northwest Family Dental Restorative Services
