No matter how much care we give our teeth, accidents do happen. Unfortunately, if you knock a tooth out in an accident, and it’s an adult tooth, it will never grow back. That doesn’t mean you are going to be left with a gap in your smile for the rest of your life – this is where cosmetic dentistry can come to the rescue. There are numerous options available, including a partial plate, an implant, or a bridge. Today we’ll discuss the options available for a dental bridge.

Of the three options mentioned, the dental bridge is the most popular. Partial plates can be uncomfortable while implants can be expensive. Bridges are a cross between the two in that it involves permanently fixing a false tooth in place.

The procedure is fairly straight forward. The teeth either side of the missing tooth are prepared, generally by applying reshaping techniques. A mold is then made of the missing tooth and the reshaped teeth. This mold is sent off to a lab where a special false tooth is created. In the meantime, your dentist will most likely fit a temporary bridge in place. This will protect the area while waiting for the new tooth to be fitted.

On your return to the dentist, the new tooth is fitted. Occasionally there are some last minute adjustments that are required before the false tooth is permanently bonded to the teeth on either side. Once the bonding is complete, the tooth is permanently in place. This means you can eat and carry on daily life as normal.

Bridges can last ten or more years, however, to be really effective patients with bridges do need to practice good dental health regimes including rinsing, brushing and flossing. If you’ve lost your smile due to an accident, cosmetic dentistry can certainly help to restore and renew it.

Tags: dental bridges, Dental Implants, dental plates