Have you ever thought about what happens when you lose a tooth? Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat your favourite meals or smile with confidence. Dental bridges in West Kelowna are your solution. A dental bridge is a dental solution that can help fill the gap of your missing tooth.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that fills the empty space of a missing tooth. A dental bridge connects the two teeth adjacent to the empty space. The dentist attaches the dental bridge to the healthy teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. The two healthy teeth adjacent to the gap of the missing tooth provide a strong foundation for the dental bridge.
The false tooth is called a pontic. The teeth that stabilize the bridge are called the abutment teeth. They may sound big, but these terms are just words your dentist uses to explain the parts of your dental bridge.
Benefits of Dental Bridges West Kelowna
1. You Can Eat Better
When you have a missing tooth, eating can become difficult. Foods like apples, corn on the cob, or even sandwiches might be hard to bite. A dental bridge can help restore your ability to properly chew your food again. You can eat all of your favourite meals and not feel like food is getting stuck or caught in the empty space.
2. Your Smile Looks Complete
If you’ve lost any teeth, you could feel self-conscious about smiling. A dental bridge can fill the gap and make your smile look whole again. The replacement tooth is going to feel and look like your natural teeth. Most will never know the difference; your bridge will look so natural.
3. Speaking Becomes Easier
Did you know that your teeth help you speak properly? If you are missing teeth, it can make it difficult to pronounce certain words correctly. Some sounds in the English language, such as “s” or “th,” may be difficult for you to pronounce. A dental bridge will make it easier to speak properly by filling the gap.
4. Keeps Other Teeth in Place
When you lose a tooth, it is very likely that the teeth adjacent to the gap will start moving into the empty space. This can cause your other teeth to be shifted out of alignment or create unwanted gaps between teeth. A dental bridge is necessary in order to prevent your other teeth from moving out of position.
5. Maintains Your Face Shape
Your teeth support your facial muscles. If a tooth is lost, your face may not look as it should. Bridges help maintain the natural shape of your face and provide support for your facial muscles.
Types of Dental Bridges
| Type of Bridge | Description | Best For |
| Traditional Bridge | The most common type uses crowns on teeth next to the gap | When healthy teeth are on both sides |
| Cantilever Bridge | Attached to only one side | When there’s only one healthy tooth next to the gap |
| Maryland Bridge | Uses metal or porcelain wings instead of crowns | Front teeth with healthy neighbours |
Dental Bridge Care Tips West Kelowna
Taking care of your dental bridge is important to longevity. Here are some easy care tips:
- Daily Care: Brush your teeth at least twice daily using fluoride toothpaste. You should also brush carefully around your bridge to remove plaque and food debris.
- Floss Daily: Clean under your bridge regularly using special floss or a floss threader to get around and under your bridge, thus preventing gum disease or other oral concerns.
- Regular Visits: Make appointments to see your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings, and your dentist will confirm whether your bridge is still functional.
- Avoid Very Hard Foods: Hard sugary foods, ice, and hard candies cause damage to your teeth.
- Don’t Use Teeth as Tools: Using teeth to open packages or crack nuts might break the bridge work or pull teeth loose or break them.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
If properly maintained, dental bridges last between 10 to 15 years, or even longer. There are cases of bridges lasting up to 30 years that maintain that, but in each case, patients took the instructions from the dentist about dental care seriously. Your mouth is unique, and following your dentist’s instructions for best care can go a long way in sustaining the longevity of your dental bridge.
Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?
Most patients will report that the dental bridge procedure does not hurt. Dentists apply some numbing medicine; while very rare, some do feel a little discomfort during the procedure. After treatment, your mouth may feel a little sore, but this normally will pass after a few days.
Why Choose a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth because:
- They look like they came out of your mouth
- They do not need to remove like dentures
- Less economical cost than dental implants
- They can be done in a few weeks
Fill Missing Teeth Using Dental Bridges!
If you are struggling with missing teeth, Westbank Dental & Implant Center is committed to restoring your smile and oral health! We have a fully trained and qualified dentist in Westbank who will provide you with a strong, natural-looking dental bridge that will make it easier to talk and chew. We are focused on providing you with safe, quality dental care while keeping you comfortable during and after treatment.
Contact us today to schedule your visit. Let us help you restore your smile!