Losing a tooth is no fun. Besides compromising the smile that you want, it can have repercussions on your biting and chewing and could cause issues with your gum tissue if left untreated. However, your Lake Orion, MI, dentist is here to help. With , we help rebuild your smile, while also helping maintain your oral health. These items are made from porcelain, which helps them match the color and shade of your natural teeth and the structures around them. For those who have never had a bridge or dentures, let us get to know them a little better.
First Up, Dental Bridges
When your dentist mentions the term pontic, he or she is talking about a false tooth. Healthy teeth on either side of it help hold it in place. The pontic is the bridge between the healthy teeth, and it can be either one false tooth or several in a row, depending on how many teeth need to be replaced. The are traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported. Traditional is the more common one, and when there are natural teeth on either side of the gap, it is used. While similar to a traditional bridge, a cantilever is only bonded to one natural tooth. For Maryland bridges, the porcelain framework is bonded to the back of two natural teeth. Implant-supported bridges have dental implants that hold them in place.
Next Up, Dentures
There are , partial and full. Which type a patient is fitted for depends on how many teeth have been lost and the structural integrity of a patient’s jawbone. For example, if you are only missing a few teeth and still have healthy ones remaining, a partial denture may be a preferred choice. However, if you are completely missing teeth on either the upper or lower dental ridge, then full dentures may be prescribed. Either way, they are natural-looking with a comfortable and stable gum-colored base that sits on the dental ridge. Some patients may need implant-supported dentures. Like with their bridge counterpart, they have dental implants to help hold them in place. This version is often more stable than traditional dentures.
Finally, What To Expect
With either a bridge or dentures, biting and chewing should improve. You may also gain confidence in your smile. Taking proper care of them will ensure that they last several years. As usual, continue your good, daily brushing and flossing habits, and visit us for .
Schedule An Appointment With Us
Dental bridges and dentures are treatments to consider, because we want to help you maintain good oral health if you have lost a tooth or several teeth. To , call Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI, today at 248-693-6213.
