What is a fixed porcelain dental bridge?
Dental bridges are used to fill gaps to replace missing teeth, restoring the appearance and function of the smile. Our team at Kelley Family Dental Center can evaluate you and talk to you about whether or not you are a good candidate for a fixed porcelain dental bridge.
What is a fixed porcelain dental bridge?
Drs. Jonathan and Gretchen Kelley of Albuquerque, New Mexico, describe porcelain bridges as restorations used to fill teeth gaps after tooth loss. They replace missing teeth by using false teeth called pontics which are fused to dental crowns on each side. This creates a single restoration that is bonded over the adjacent teeth that support it effectively. Fixed dental bridges can replace one or several teeth in a row while using healthy teeth surrounding them.
What are the benefits of a fixed porcelain dental bridge?
Fixed dental bridges provide a number of benefits, including restoring the aesthetics and functionality of your smile. When you lose teeth, it can cause adjacent teeth to shift from their normal position. Bridges help keep this from happening by filling in gaps between healthy teeth. They also promote better oral hygiene and bites since they prevent food particles from getting trapped in gaps that could lead to plaque development and, later, tooth decay and periodontal disease.
What are the disadvantages of a fixed dental bridge?
When compared to alternative solutions such as implants and dentures, fixed dental bridges do have some disadvantages that need to be considered before moving forward with them. These include increased chances of tooth decay and gum disease on either side of the bridge if proper oral hygiene is not maintained. Additionally, fixed bridges do not last as long as other restorations due to their inability to be removed for cleaning, requiring them to be replaced anywhere from five to fifteen years after placement. These dental bridges are usually less expensive than implants or dentures but do require additional care, such as flossing between the bottom of the false teeth and the gum line.
How do I know if dental bridges are right for me?
If you need to replace missing teeth and live in the area of Albuquerque, NM, we invite you to connect with Drs. Jonathan and Gretchen Kelley of Kelley Family Dental Center to find out more about fixed dental bridges. Call 505-898-4504 to request a visit at 4801 Montano Road NW, A3. We are open to new and returning patients ready for comprehensive dental solutions.