If a tooth is lost, it is vital to replace it with a false (or artificial) tooth as soon as possible. The procedure will prevent your remaining teeth from drifting out of line and causing other issues.
A
dental bridge can also be referred to as a "fixed bridge" or a "fixed partial denture."
Dental Bridges can replace one or more missing teeth and held firmly in place by healthy teeth on each side of the missing one(s). Dental Bridges are a permanent fixture once placed in your mouth and cannot be removed.
A dental bridge can be done in three easy steps:
- The teeth on each of the missing one(s) are prepared for crowns
- The fake tooth (or teeth) and two crowns are custom-made in a dental lab as one piece
- The fake tooth (or teeth) is then placed in your mouth. The crowns are cemented to your two healthy teeth on each side of the missing one(s)
Dental Bridges typically last for about 10 years if you take good care of them. Your dentist will teach you how to use a floss thread to get under and around the false tooth (or teeth) in the middle of the bridge.
There are two types of
dentures: partial and full
dentures. Both types are made in a dental lab, based on a mold (or an impression) of the inside of your mouth.
Common names for a partial
dentures are "removal partial dentures" or "partial". A partial
dentures is made up of one or several false teeth and held in place by clasps that fit onto nearby teeth. You can take the partial
dentures out yourself, for cleaning and at night time before sleep. A partial
dentures is typically used when nearby teeth are not strong enough to hold a bridge, or when several teeth are missing.
Full
dentures can also be referred to as "complete denture" or "false teeth". False teeth are used when all your natural teeth are missing. It is just as important to treat your denture as well as your actual teeth.
Caring for your dentures is kept to a simple 4-step plan:
- 1. Plaque buildings up on your denture as much as it does on natural teeth; so keep your denture clean. Unless plaque is removed from your denture, it can spread to your natural teeth and gums, causing hum disease and cavities.
- 2. Follow your brushing procedure on your natural teeth and gums with a soft toothbrush. If your toothbrush hurts you, run it under warm water to make it softer or try to use a finger wrapped in a clean, damp cloth. Make sure to remove your denture every night.
- 3. Dentures can be soaked in a special cleaner (called denture cleanser), in warm water or in a half-and-half mix of warm water and vinegar. If your denture has metal clasps, soak it in warm water only. Soaking your denture overnight will loosen plaque and tartar so they come off easily when you brush. Be sure to brush and rinse your denture before you put it back in.
- 4. Keep up your regular dentist appointments; your mouth is always changing. Your denture will need adjusting from time to time to make sure it still fits well. If you have a partial denture, regular check-ups are important to make sure the natural teeth and gums are still being well taken care of.
