When we place a dental bridge, we offer residents of Astoria, NY, strong and lifelike prosthetics created using lifelike materials. We can replace between one and three missing teeth in just two visits! But, once you receive your new prosthetic, what steps should you take to protect your new smile? How do you care for a dental bridge?
Creating Your Custom Prosthetic
Treatment begins with a detailed impression taken of your smile, as well as measurements and x-rays. We use the information and images to design and create a custom prosthetic. The bridge itself will consist of pontics, the new teeth, with crowns attached to each end. We remove structure from the teeth on either side of the gap in your smile, placing the crowns onto them to secure the new teeth firmly in place. We create them from ceramic, a strong material that is not only stain-resistant, but can absorb bite forces and be shaded to match the color of surrounding teeth.
Addressing Tooth Loss
The prosthetic addresses minor tooth loss and with proper care and attention, can last about 10 to 15 years before requiring replacement. By addressing tooth loss, you prevent the onset of misalignment, which can occur as teeth adjacent to the gap in your smile begin to drift from position. You also relieve pressure on your jaw joints, which limits the chances of TMJ disorder and bruxism. Remember, addressing your tooth loss isn’t just about improving smile esthetics, but also protecting the overall health and stability of your smile as well.
Proper Maintenance
How do you care for your new teeth? As you know, people should brush their teeth twice a day, once when they wake up and again before going to bed. We also must floss before bed to remove the bits of food a toothbrush alone cannot. You must do the same for your prosthetic. You should brush your bridge when you clean the rest of your teeth, and floss around the crowns before bed. In addition, we suggest cleaning the space between the top of your gums and the bottom of the prosthetic, where food particles could accumulate. You may need to use floss or a special brush, and we can provide detailed instructions for the care and maintenance of your bridge. If you have one or more missing teeth, then talk to our team about possible solutions. We would love to help you enjoy a full and beautiful smile once more!
Do You Have Missing Teeth?
Our team wants to offer patients long lasting and natural looking solutions to missing teeth. For more information on our missing tooth replacement options, then schedule a consultation, call Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
