When you have a gap created by a missing tooth or teeth, the result could be dangerous for your dental health. A gap may cause a significant shift in your teeth, resulting in a potentially painful change in your bite. Masood Dental, your cosmetic dentist in Laurel MD, can help! Dental bridges can address this issue, relieve pain, and preserve your dental health. Dental bridges use two surrounding teeth to anchor a false tooth in the existing gap. Porcelain crowns cover the surrounding teeth, and the false tooth, also called a pontic, is then fused between them. 

 

Currently, there are three common types of dental bridges in use. The first of these is called a traditional fixed bridge. This type of bridge is the most common, and utilizes porcelain crowns. The false tooth is often made of porcelain, which is fused to metal, but may also be made of ceramic.

 

A cantilever bridge is another common dental bridge and is used when a patient only has teeth on one side of their gap. These bridges are useful when the area of the mouth in question does not have an intense chewing load. An area like this would be the front teeth. 

 

Resin-bonded bridges are the third type of common dental bridge. With these bridges, metal bands are fused to the teeth with resin, and these bands hold a false, plastic tooth in place. This type of bridge is also common for less-frequently stressed areas of the mouth, like the front teeth. 

 

Our cosmetic dentist in Laurel MD recommends planning for a minimum of two visits to place the bridge and complete the procedure. At your first visit, the teeth surrounding the gap will be fitted with a crown. Dr. Masood may need to file down your teeth to properly fit the crown. Then, an impression is taken of your teeth so that a dental laboratory can make your individualized bridge and crown. While your bridge and crown are being made, Dr. Masood will fit you with a temporary, protective bridge.  

 

Once your unique bridge and crown are ready, you’ll come in for your second visit, where you’ll have them fitted and adjusted. You may require multiple visits for fittings or adjusting, to ensure comfort, protection, and proper dental health.

 

Masood Dental, your go to cosmetic dentist in Laurel MD, is ready to answer any and all questions about dental bridges and other procedures; contact us today at (301) 490-3993!