Millions of people around the world lose their natural teeth for many reasons, including decay, cavities, and injuries. If you are one of them, restoring your smile and bite function should be an immediate priority, and it is absolutely critical that you choose the right option. Dentures are great but often move around in the mouth, and when you are missing two or more teeth in a row, you may benefit better from dental bridges. Most cosmetic dentists in Harker Heights offer dental bridges, and here’s what you must know before the treatment.
Overview of a dental bridge
A standard dental bridge usually has crowns on both ends, which are fixed to adjacent teeth, and the prosthetic teeth lie in between. In many ways, dental bridges are a replacement for partial dentures, but because these are fixed in a place, the comfort while talking and chewing is a lot better. Bridges come in all sorts of materials, including gold, resin, and porcelain, but if you are replacing the front teeth, ceramic might be the best material for its resemblance to natural teeth color.
Types of dental bridges
The conventional dental bridge includes two crowns with pontics in between. You may also consider the Maryland dental bridge, which relies on metal frameworks to hold the pontics in place. A dental bridge can also be placed on implants, and these are called implant-supported bridges. Implant-supported dental bridges require implant surgery, where posts are placed inside the jawbone and serve as the foundation for the bridge. The good news is you don’t need to buff your healthy teeth to get the bridge.
When is a dental bridge right for a patient?
If a patient is missing teeth in a row, they may benefit from dental bridges, provided they are in good health. Traditional bridges require you to have two healthy teeth on either side to hold the bridge. Of course, your dentist is the best person to decide whether you should consider this option or choose something like partial dentures.
Why consider dental bridges?
Besides restoring the smile and aesthetics, a dental bridge also restores your ability to talk and chew properly. Most patients report a significant difference in enunciation. A dental bridge also prevents other teeth from shifting, which can otherwise cause bite issues. You can also expect to reduce bone loss, which is a natural outcome of removing one or more teeth.
Other things to know
Your dentist will explain if a dental bridge is ideal, but they will also share the necessary details. For instance, any damage to the teeth covered with crowns can compromise the bridge. If the bridge is not fitted properly, there is a risk of decay. Also, if the abutment teeth are not strong, they must be removed later and replaced with implants. 
Procedure for getting a fixed bridge
Your dentist will start by preparing the abutment teeth, which is essential to make room for the crown. They will then make molds from your bite impressions, and these molds will be sent to a lab to make your custom dental bridge. During the final appointment, they will check the fit of the restoration and cement it in place. It takes at least two to three visits to the dental clinic to get a bridge.
Final word
If you are interested in understanding dental bridges better, find a renowned dentist in Harker Heights first. Make sure they specialize in restorations and cosmetic treatments, and you can schedule an appointment to get to know the dentist better. As long as you care for oral hygiene, a bridge should last at least a decade or more.