At 4th Avenue Dental Centre, your friendly general dentist in Calgary, Alberta, we are committed to helping our patients achieve their smile design goals. If you’re looking for an impactful way to improve the appearance of your smile, porcelain fixed bridges may be the answer.
Porcelain Fixed Bridges: A Comprehensive Guide
Porcelain fixed bridges are an excellent solution for those who have lost one or more teeth. These dental prosthetics are used to fill gaps caused by missing teeth and restore a natural-looking smile.
What Are Porcelain Fixed Bridges?
Porcelain fixed bridges are dental prosthetics that are used to replace missing teeth. They consist of a porcelain crown that is affixed to the two teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth. These two crowns are called abutments, and they hold the bridge in place. In between the abutments is a prosthetic tooth, which fills the gap left by the missing tooth.
Porcelain fixed bridges are custom-made to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth. This ensures that they look and feel like your natural teeth and blend in seamlessly with your smile.
How Do Porcelain Fixed Bridges Work?
The process of getting a porcelain fixed bridge typically involves two appointments with your dentist. During the first appointment, your dentist will prepare the two teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth. This involves removing a portion of the enamel to make room for the crowns that will hold the bridge in place.
Once the teeth are prepared, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth, which will be sent to a dental lab where the bridge will be custom-made. In the meantime, your dentist will place a temporary bridge to protect your teeth and gums.
At your second appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary bridge and replace it with the permanent porcelain fixed bridge. Your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the bridge fits comfortably and looks natural.
Benefits of Porcelain Fixed Bridges
There are many benefits to getting porcelain fixed bridges, including:
- Improved appearance: Porcelain fixed bridges look and feel like natural teeth, which can help improve the appearance of your smile and boost your self-confidence.
- Better chewing and speaking ability: Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew and speak properly. Porcelain fixed bridges can help restore these functions, allowing you to eat and speak with ease.
- Improved oral health: Missing teeth can lead to oral health problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay. Porcelain fixed bridges can help prevent these issues by filling in the gaps left by missing teeth and restoring proper dental function.
- Durability: Porcelain fixed bridges are durable and long-lasting, which means that you won’t have to worry about replacing them for many years.
- Convenience: Porcelain fixed bridges are easy to care for and maintain. You can brush and floss them just like you would your natural teeth, and they don’t require any special care.
Caring for Porcelain Fixed Bridges
Caring for porcelain fixed bridges is relatively easy and straightforward. You should brush and floss your bridge just like you would your natural teeth, taking care to clean the area where the bridge meets the gumline to remove any food particles or debris that may have accumulated.
In addition to regular brushing and flossing, it’s important to maintain regular dental check-ups with your dentist. Your dentist can check the condition of your porcelain fixed bridge and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that it continues to fit properly and function correctly.
It’s also important to avoid chewing on hard objects or using your teeth as tools, as this can damage the porcelain fixed bridge and shorten its lifespan.
Finally, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding sugary and acidic foods and beverages. These habits can help prevent oral health problems that can lead to the need for additional dental work in the future.
If you’re looking for comprehensive dental care in beautiful Calgary, Alberta, get in touch with 4th Avenue Dental Centre! Our friendly staff can answer any questions you might have about porcelain fixed bridges and other cosmetic dental treatments we offer.