As soon as you lose one or more adult teeth, you need to begin exploring your restorative treatment options. Untreated tooth loss can result in a myriad of secondary health problems including bone loss and severe periodontal disease. With porcelain fixed bridges, we can quickly restore the appearance of your smile and help you avoid some of these devastating oral health conditions. Fixed bridges look and feel just like natural teeth, and we could have a custom porcelain device ready for you within just a few weeks of your first dental appointment.
The True Dangers of Tooth Loss
One of the most common misconceptions about tooth loss is that this condition doesn’t need to be treated immediately. Some people feel like it is nothing more than a cosmetic issue that they can address at a later time. Those individuals should realize that losing permanent teeth will have a major impact on their oral health as well as the appearance of their smile. Your teeth all support one another, and they are going to shift when one is lost or extracted. Once they start to shift, you might begin to develop a wide variety of secondary health issues such as gum disease, chipped enamel, malocclusion, facial deformations, and bone loss.
Fixed and Traditional Bridges
There are many different types of bridges, and every single one has its own pros and cons. Traditional bridges that slide over the nearby teeth are the most popular option, but there are a few distinct drawbacks with these devices. Some patients feel as if they slide around the mouth or are difficult to chew with. They can also put quite a bit of pressure on the nearby teeth because they aren’t held in place with cement. Porcelain fixed bridges are nearly identical to traditional bridges, but our team will use a bonding material to keep the porcelain framework from moving around.
The Benefits of Porcelain Fixed Bridges
Porcelain fixed bridges come with many cosmetic and practical benefits. As soon as the device is cemented in place, your smile will look complete and balanced. You won’t have to worry about covering your mouth whenever you laugh or take a picture. Your bridge is also going to improve the functionality of your smile. Those who have missing teeth often have a tough time chewing certain foods or keeping their gums clean. These devices feel just like natural teeth, and most of our patients completely forget that they are there after the first few weeks.
Getting Fitted for Your Restorative Device
The process of fabricating and installing porcelain bridges generally takes a few weeks, and we always begin with a thorough inspection of the teeth and gums. Once we have taken pictures and measurements of your mouth, a manufacturer will then use that data to create your custom bridge. Installing a bridge is relatively simple, and the final appointment should take no more than an hour or two. After the bridge is in place, you will need to avoid chewing on hard foods for at least a few days while the bonding material cures.
If you are ready to restore your smile with porcelain fixed bridges, we can help you at the office of Dr. Latha Subramanian in Mountain View, CA. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment and find out if this treatment option is right for you.
