Cosmetic Dentistry – Dental Bridges

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By Arthur Kezian

Do you have missing teeth? Have you considered getting them replaced? There are different options to choose from ranging from flippers to bridges or implants. A cosmetic dentist like Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS can help you change your look and give you the smile you’ve been yearning for. Dentistry has come a long way, and now, dental bridges can look as natural as your other teeth. A cosmetic dentist makes sure that the tooth being replaced by a bridge is not only beneficial to your health, but looks esthetically pleasing as well.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a dental device that plainly bridges a gap between your teeth. A bridge usually consists of two crowns (abutment teeth) that sit on either side of the gap between your teeth. Between these two crowns would be a false tooth to replace the one that is missing. This tooth that sits in between two crowns is called a pontic. Depending on the type of crown you and your dentist choose, you can either have a metal crown or a porcelain crown. Nowadays metal crowns are not used as much, but a mixture of metal and porcelain is used a lot. This mixed-material crown is called a PFM (porcelain fused to metal); the inside of the crown is made of metal while the outside is made of porcelain to look more natural.

Types of Dental Bridges:

                                                                                                              
There are a few different types of bridges that could be made. First, there are traditional bridges – these are the bridges with two crowns and a pontic hanging in between. These types of bridges are the most common and could be made from the materials mentioned beforehand. There are other types of bridges for special cases as well, like Maryland bridges. These types of bridges are made of plastic material and are supported by metal. The pictures in this article are those of a Maryland bridge case.

Dental Bridge Procedure:

During your first visit, you and your dental professional will discuss your case to decide which type of bridge will benefit you most. After you have decided and the treatment plan has been made, you are ready to begin. As always, the first part of the procedure is the anesthesia. As long as you are numb, the procedure is painless! Just like regular crowns, a portion of your enamel has to be reduced. After reduction, impressions will be taken of your teeth. These impressions will then be sent off to a lab where your crowns and bridge will be made. You will be given a temporary solution to wear until your actual bridge is ready.

During your second visit, you will be given anesthesia again. This is to prevent you from feeling any discomfort as your temporary is taken off, as your new bridge is cemented on, and as the access cement is cleaned off. Usually, an X-Ray will be taken with the bridge in place (before cementing) to make sure there is a correct and tight fit. If everything looks fine, your bridge will be cemented in place. Once the cement is cleaned out, you are finished.

A two-visit appointment for a bridge can be life-altering. If you’ve been thinking about replacing your missing teeth, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS and Staff. They can help answer all your questions and make an appointment for you. The procedure as well as the expense will be made as easy as possible for you.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 http://www.drkezian.com

-N.S.

Get Dental Bridges to Replace Missing Teeth

By Arthur Kezian

A dental bridge is implemented for spanning the gap between more than one missing tooth. It is also popularly known as a bridge or crown. It is one of the popular techniques used by dentists. As the first step, both sides of the teeth-gap are crowned by the Cosmetic Dentist. The replacement teeth will be then carefully suspended between these two crowned teeth. This technique allows the bridges to be supported with ease by the natural teeth of the patient. The individual can also choose the more expensive dental implant option for restoration of missing teeth. For those who cannot afford to get dental implants, dental bridges will do the job. Bridges are usually made up of materials such as porcelain, alloy and gold. However taking in to consideration the requirements of the individual and most patients, tooth coloured porcelain bridges are the most sought after and used bridges.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

There are a range of benefits which the patient will be able to enjoy after bridging their missing teeth.

·         The most important among them is the restoration of self confidence which will help the person smile with confidence and can eat food without worrying about missing teeth.
·         You can talk and chew comfortably.
·         It prevents other teeth from drifting towards the space left by missing teeth.
·         Usually missing teeth can cause change in the shape and structure of the face.
Bridges are designed to prevent facial collapse.

Studies show that when a person suffering from missing teeth leaves the gap unfilled through improper treatment, they are most likely to lose more teeth within the next four years. Dr. Kezian and staff recommend the missing teeth be filled as soon as possible to prevent these complications.

Proper care of dental bridges

Proper oral care and hygiene are required for dental bridges to last longer.

·         Going for your regular checkup to Dr. Kezian’s office in Los Angeles is preferred for maintaining proper oral care of bridges. However most people mistakenly think partial dentures are a removable bridge. Please take note that bridges are permanent and non-removable dental prosthetics. Partial dentures only replace a few teeth in a row.
·         Bridges are placed in such a position that a lot depends on the strength and stability of the surrounding teeth. Because of this, it is inevitable for the patient to maintain an excellent dental hygiene in order to keep these important foundational teeth healthy for a longer duration.
·         It is imperative for the patient to maintain a healthier and balanced diet in order to keep the teeth healthy and strong.

There are three kinds of bridges: Traditional bridges, cantilever bridges and Maryland bonded bridges. The cantilever bridges are used when a person has an adjacent tooth on only one side of the missing teeth. Maryland bonded bridges are usually made up of plastic teeth and gums that are supported by a framework made up of metal. It uses metal wings which are bonded towards either side of the bridge towards the existing teeth. The dentist will deliver the bridge after taking impressions of the teeth. This is done in a dental lab. Till that time, a temporary bridge will be provided for the patient in order to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the permanent bridge is bring made. Once the patient receives the permanent bridge, the dentist will then place it temporarily on the missing teeth for a couple of weeks  and evaluate it in order to check if it has a proper fit. The bridge will be then be permanently cemented in place of the missing teeth.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.