At Morgan Family Dental in Metairie, LA, we recognize the importance of a healthy smile and its impact on your overall quality of life. Tooth loss can occur despite our best efforts to maintain dental health. To address this issue, we offer exceptional dental bridge services as a solution to restore your smile and enhance your well-being.
Replacing missing teeth is crucial not only for appearance but also for maintaining oral health and function. Dental bridges are designed to replace missing teeth, stabilize surrounding teeth, and prevent potential problems caused by tooth loss, such as difficulty chewing, speaking, or changes in facial structure.
Types of Dental Bridges
Our team at Morgan Family Dental in Metairie, LA, offers various types of dental bridges to suit your unique needs. The main types of bridges include traditional, cantilever, and Maryland bridges.
Traditional Bridge
A traditional bridge consists of a false tooth (pontic) attached to two dental crowns that cover the adjacent teeth. The dentist reshapes these teeth to accommodate the crowns, which are then secured using composite bonding resin. Traditional bridges are the most common type and provide excellent support and durability.
Cantilever Bridge
The cantilever bridge features a pontic attached to only one abutment. Since it is secured on one side, this bridge is primarily used for teeth at the back of the mouth. Cantilever bridges are a suitable option when there is only one adjacent tooth available for support.
Maryland Bridge
The Maryland bridge uses metal or porcelain bands to secure the pontic to neighboring teeth with bonding resin. This method doesn’t require reshaping teeth, making it a more conservative option. However, Maryland bridges may not be suitable for replacing molars, as they exert more pressure when chewing and may require additional support.
Bridge Work Procedures
Our skilled dentists at Morgan Family Dental in Metairie, LA, follow a meticulous procedure to ensure successful dental bridge work. The process typically involves:
- Performing any necessary treatments on supporting teeth, such as fillings or root canals.
- Removing enamel from the supporting teeth to make room for the abutment crowns.
- Taking a mold of the area and sending it to a lab to create your personalized bridge, which takes a few weeks.
- Providing a temporary bridge while waiting for your custom restoration.
- Placing your permanent bridge and making any necessary adjustments during the final appointment.
Our dentists ensure that the bridge fits seamlessly and comfortably, restoring your smile and improving your quality of life.
Why Dental Bridges Matter for Quality of Life
Dental bridges significantly impact the quality of life by addressing various issues caused by missing teeth. They restore not only the aesthetics of your smile but also the functionality, enabling you to chew and speak properly. By maintaining the alignment of your teeth and preventing them from shifting, dental bridges contribute to a healthier oral environment, reducing the risk of gum disease and other complications. Moreover, they provide support to your facial structure, preventing potential changes in appearance due to tooth loss. Overall, dental bridges enhance your self-confidence and well-being, allowing you to enjoy a better quality of life.