Treatments in cosmetic dentistry do not only address aesthetic issues. There are procedures in this field that also restore your teeth’s health and function. Some even do a bit more and eventually help you avoid more serious conditions – gaps, crooked teeth, gum disease, facial muscle distortion, speech defect, and more. Among these procedures are implants and bridges, which answer the problem of tooth loss.
The treatment that will be recommended to you will usually depend on the number of missing teeth and the overall condition of your teeth, gums, and mouth. During your initial consultation in a dental clinic, your mouth will be examined and your medical history will be looked into by the cosmetic dentist. He will then tell you which procedure will be best for you. He should discuss with you everything you need to know regarding the procedure so you can prepare for it and be aware of what you need to do even after the treatment.
Dental bridges are like fixed false teeth that work best when you have only a tooth or two missing. They are set on the natural teeth that are beside the site where your lost tooth was. They literally “bridge” the gap left by your missing tooth or teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, bridges are cemented in your mouth. This makes you feel secure when eating, laughing, and talking. You won’t have the fear of your false tooth or teeth falling off when you open your mouth. They can be made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of the two materials.
But you need to take good care of your bridges, since you cannot remove them. Your dentist should teach you how to clean a bridge, particularly the gap under it by using a dental floss. When properly maintained, a bridge can last up to about 10 years.
Dental implants, on the other hand, are replacement roots set in your jawbone. Each implant goes for each tooth that needs to be replaced. A cosmetic dentist uses them as foundation for other procedures, including bridges and dentures. An implant, which is usually made of titanium or titanium alloy, is placed in your jawbone to hold the false tooth that you need. But before the false tooth can be set, your jawbone has to fuse with the implant first. This is why this whole treatment takes months before it can be completed. It can also last up to approximately 10 years.
Keep in mind that for these procedures to work well, you need to have healthy gums. It’s important to choose an experienced dentist for these treatments. They’d advise you which procedure will be best for you.