Smiles in Pembroke Pines, FL are restored with dental bridges
Are you missing a tooth, or several in a row? That condition probably impacts your appearance, the way you speak, and the foods you can enjoy. Meanwhile, other changes are occurring that could impact your oral health and wellbeing. A gap allows remaining teeth to become crooked, increasing risk of tooth decay, gum disease, TMJ issues, and dental wear and damage. Dental bridges from Dr. Milton Ruiz in Pembroke Pines, FL replace missing teeth, restoring your smile and oral function.
The conventional permanent dental bridge
A traditional fixed bridge consists of an artificial tooth (or up to three in a span) with a crown or hollow cap on each side. Anchor teeth adjacent to the missing one are shaped so that the crowns will fit over top. When the crowns are cemented in place, the artificial tooth is stabilized.
Replacing front teeth with a bridge
Front teeth are the most noticeable in your smile and are vulnerable to trauma, so a bridge in this area is common. Front teeth are designed to rip and tear food, a task not often necessary with modern man’s diet. Since they are not subjected to a lot of bite force (as molars are), Dr. Ruiz may be able to replace them with a bonded bridge. This type of bridge has “wings” cemented to the backs of anchor teeth. It avoids the need to grind down otherwise healthy teeth to hold the bridge.
How Pembroke Pines, FL patients benefit from dental bridges
- Getting a bridge usually requires just two visits to the dental office.
- An all porcelain bridge looks very natural.
- The bridge supports lips and facial structures.
- You can chew normally with a bridge.
- A bridge is easy to care for with regular brushing accompanied by a special flossing technique or use of a water flosser.
- An affixed bridge for a missing tooth is more secure than a removable partial denture.
- A dental bridge is an alternative for the patient who is not a candidate for or does not want a dental implant.
- A longer stretch of missing teeth may be replaced with a bridge affixed to two dental implants.
You deserve to feel good about your smile. Call (954) 715-4660 to talk with Dr. Ruiz about tooth replacement with dental bridges. Pines Dental Associates in Pembroke Pines, FL welcomes new patients from Hollywood, Miramar, and Cooper City.
FAQs
What is a dental bridge?
A dental appliance that ‘bridges’ the space between two teeth by replacing one or more natural missing teeth. Fixed bridges are cemented into place next to the ‘abutment’ teeth on either side of the space created by the missing teeth. A bridge normally consists of three units – a false tooth fused between two crowns cemented onto the abutment teeth.
What is the lifetime of dental bridges?
With proper care and good oral hygiene, they should last for 10 or even 15 years. You must brush and floss daily, limit hard and sticky foods, and regularly visit the dentist. Checkups will ensure that the bridges are free of damage and other problems.
What precautions must I take when eating after getting bridges?
Do not use your new bridges for 24 hours to chew hard foods. The cement should be allowed to mature for at least a day for them to have optimum strength. Avoid chewing hard objects like ice cubes or sticky foods like gum and candy, as they can damage or remove your bridges.
Who would benefit from an implant-supported bridge?
Patients with bite issues that have resulted from missing teeth causing the remaining teeth to shift out of position, and those lacking sufficient jawbone to support implants can benefit from these bridges. Those who grind and clench their teeth can also benefit from them as they spread the pressure evenly across the entire bridge.
Is brushing my teeth immediately after getting dental bridges safe?
Yes, it is. Your teeth may feel a little sensitive immediately after bridge treatment, but resuming your normal oral hygiene routine after treatment would help you.
Dr. Milton Ruiz
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A respected general dentist with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Milton Ruiz earned his dental degree from Tufts Dental School in Boston. He has completed over 500 hours of continuing education to stay at the forefront of modern dentistry and is highly skilled in various areas, including cosmetic dentistry, root canals, sleep apnea treatments, orthodontics, and restorative care. Certified in Invisalign and experienced in oral conscious sedation, he ensures a broad spectrum of patient care with a focus on comfort and modern techniques.
