Healthy Lifestyle

The average human mouth comes equipped with 32 teeth, each of which is necessary in one way or another. Every tooth in your mouth plays a role in your ability to eat, speak, and maintain the proper alignment of all of your other teeth. Whether it happens by injury or extraction, if you happen to find yourself in the unfortunate situation of losing a tooth, then you’ll want to take steps to ensure that this doesn’t negatively impact the rest of your mouth. The absence of one or more teeth can not only affect your appearance and your smile, but put unusual stress on the nearby gums that can result in gum disease. Fortunately, cosmetic dentists today are able to correct tooth loss thanks to the invention of bridges. A dental bridge, also known as a fixed partial denture, is a device that attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth in order to fill the gap where teeth are absent. Bridges can either be fixed, which means that they are permanently attached, or removable. Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the surrounding teeth for bonding, or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the adjacent teeth. Removable bridges, on the other hand, are fastened to the teeth with clasps or precision attachments. While removable bridges offer the benefit of easy cleaning, fixed bridges offer far more stability. Only a trained dentist will be able to determine whether a fixed bridge versus a removable bridge is right for you.

How It Works

Attaching a bridge is generally completed in a series of two or three separate dental appointments. During the initial appointment, your dentist will prepare the teeth on either side of the missing tooth by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin. Since the bridge must be constructed with precision in terms of your mouth’s structure, impressions of your teeth are taken and sent out to a laboratory, where the bridge is then made. The meticulousness involved in the production of the bridge helps ensure that your bite will be correctly maintained. Once your bridge is ready, it will be cemented to the adjacent natural teeth to cover the space left by the missing tooth or teeth. A false tooth is used to replace the missing tooth, while crowns are often cemented onto the surrounding natural teeth in order to provide ample support for the bridge.

While bridges are a highly effective option for treating tooth loss, it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions for maintenance and proper care. You’ll need to commit to regular brushing and flossing in order to keep the bridge and the adjacent teeth clean. Since dental bridges rely on those surrounding teeth for support, you’ll want to do your part to ensure that you aren’t putting them – or your bridge – in jeopardy. And while the physical repercussions of compromising your bridge certainly aren’t pleasant, the fact that bridges generally aren’t cheap should certainly be enough to motivate you to keep up on your maintenance.

A missing tooth can end up causing you a world of trouble. Why suffer down the line when you can go to a trusted dentist and have a bridge put in to prevent problems? Remember, when it comes to bridges, you’ve got nothing to lose but that pesky gap in your mouth. The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

Cosmetic dentistry can be the picture of hope for people who are far from thrilled with the current state and appearance of their teeth. From whitening treatments to straightening methods, cosmetic dentistry offers a world of options designed to help patients feel better about the way they look. Unfortunately, the one downside to cosmetic dental procedures is that it is rare to find an insurance company that will cover them, leaving most patients in the position of either having to pay out of pocket or kiss their Hollywood-smile dreams goodbye. Paying for cosmetic dental procedures does not actually have to be such a complicated matter. When approaching the idea of paying for cosmetic dentistry, most dentists tend to advise their patients not to count on insurance companies to help foot the bill. The fact of the matter is that dental insurance is not likely to cover any procedure that is strictly cosmetic in nature. Your dental insurance company would have a hard time finding a reason not to reimburse you for getting a cavity filled, but they’re not likely to kick in a cent towards tooth bleaching and contouring. And while you could argue that the presence of unsightly teeth is having a psychological effect on your general well-being, your insurance company is more likely to pay for a therapist than pretty porcelain veneers.

Of course, one exception to this general rule is cosmetic dentistry that is prompted by trauma. A dental insurance company is more likely to cover treatment when tooth damage occurs after a sports accident or injury. However, you should be aware that even in such situations, your insurance company might also only cover the least-expensive repair option available. If you have a broken tooth, they might pay for a dentist to fix it, but in a way that is less natural-looking than a more advanced cosmetic option. To save yourself the hassle and aggravation of dealing with insurance companies, you might want to remind yourself that unless you want the bare minimum, you’re better off assuming that any procedure you choose to undergo is going to be paid, in full, by you and you alone. Of course, every insurance plan is different, so it never hurts to inquire about your benefits before signing up for a specific procedure. However, as a general rule it is better to avoid relying on insurance companies, and for good reason. However, the fact that just because your insurance won’t pay for something doesn’t mean that you can’t afford it. In fact, it’s a myth that cosmetic dentistry is something that was designed exclusively for the rich. Cosmetic dentistry, like many other “optional services” in life, can be quite affordable depending on how highly it ranks on your list of priorities. If room is left over in your paycheck for new clothing and entertainment, then there should also be room for cosmetic treatments. It’s just a matter of deciding how important a winning smile is to you and taking the steps to get yourself there. In fact, the majority of patients are average, working class people who have simply made the necessary commitments to improving their smiles. Read entire article.