What is the process of getting a dental bridge?

The Process of Getting a Dental Bridge

Understanding this process helps take away any worry. Your Annerley dentist will walk you through every step. You’ll know what’s happening and why, which makes everything feel a lot easier. Remember, the idea is to bring back your full smile. So, knowing about the different bridges and talking to your dentists in Annerley about what’s right for you is a great first step.

Initial Consultation and Evaluation

The first big step in the process of getting a dental bridge is meeting with your dentist. This is where everything begins. At Dentists In Annerley, we make sure this meeting is all about you. You get to talk about what you want, and we listen. It’s important because it sets the path for everything that follows.

What Happens During the Consultation?

So, what actually happens at this first meeting? First off, we check your mouth to see the health of your teeth and gums. It’s like looking at the foundation before building a house. We need to make sure everything is strong enough to support a bridge.

Then, we talk about the different kinds of bridges. We discuss which type might be best for you and why. It’s a bit like choosing the right tool for a job. Every case is different, and we want to make sure we get yours just right.

Why Is This Step So Important?

This first chat is super important. It helps us see if a dental bridge is the right choice for you. Not everyone needs the same kind of bridge, and some folks might need other dental work before starting.

That is to say, we want to make sure your mouth is ready and that a bridge will really help you. Also, it’s a chance for you to ask questions. We want you to feel confident and informed about the process of getting a dental bridge.

Preparing Your Teeth for a Dental Bridge

The next big step in the process of getting a dental bridge involves preparing your teeth. This part is super important. At Dentists In Annerley, our team makes sure you’re comfortable and know what’s going on every step of the way.

Why Reshape Teeth?

To fit a bridge, the teeth next to the gap we call these the ‘anchor’ teeth need to be shaped a bit. Think of it like making space on a bookshelf for a new book. We gently file these teeth to make sure the bridge will sit snugly and look just right. It sounds a bit much, but it’s a common part of getting your smile back.

Keeping You Comfortable

We know that keeping you comfy is key. So, for this part, we use anaesthesia. That means you won’t feel any pain while we’re getting your teeth ready. It’s a bit like being asleep in that spot of your mouth you’re awake and aware, but you won’t feel discomfort.

In addition, some of our patients choose anti-wrinkle injections in Brisbane as a complement to dental bridge work. While it’s a bit different from preparing your teeth, these injections can help improve the overall appearance of your smile and face. It’s another way we help folks feel good about their smiles.

Dental Impressions: A Key Step

After your teeth are prepped, we move on to a very important part of the process of getting a dental bridge: taking dental impressions. Think of this as making a detailed map of your mouth. At Dentists In Annerley, we use these impressions to make sure your new bridge will fit perfectly.

How We Take Impressions

Taking impressions is pretty straightforward. We use a special kind of putty that feels a bit squishy. You’ll bite down into this putty for a few moments.

This putty then hardens a bit to create an exact model of your teeth. It’s like making a copy of your teeth and the space where your bridge will go. This copy helps the dental lab create a bridge that’s just right for you.

Ensuring the Perfect Fit and Look

These impressions are super important because they help ensure that your new bridge will not only fit perfectly but will also look great. The lab uses them to make a bridge that matches the shape and size of your space exactly.

This means your bite will feel natural, and your smile will look just like it used to, or even better. That is to say, these impressions are key to a successful dental bridge process.

Temporary Bridge Fitting

After taking impressions, the next phase in the process of getting a dental bridge is fitting a temporary bridge. At Dentists In Annerley, we use this step to ensure your teeth stay protected and you can go about your day without worrying about your smile.

Why Do You Need One?

So, why a temporary bridge? Simply put, it’s like a placeholder. While your custom, permanent bridge is being made, which can take a few weeks, the temporary bridge fills in the gaps. This way, you won’t have to feel self-conscious about missing teeth. Plus, it helps keep the teeth that are being used as anchors from moving. This keeps everything in the right spot for when your permanent bridge is ready.

What Can Patients Expect?

Getting a temporary bridge is a quick process. It’s made of a lighter material and is not meant to last long, but it’s designed to look like your natural teeth. So, you can eat, talk, and smile without much change to your daily routine. However, it might feel a bit different at first, and you’ll need to be a bit careful with what you eat to avoid dislodging it.

The fitting of a temporary bridge is an essential step in the process of getting dental bridge work done, especially for those looking for dental bridges in Brisbane.

Placing the Permanent Bridge: The Final Step

The final and most exciting step in the process of getting a dental bridge is when you get your permanent bridge placed. At Dentists In Annerley, we’re all about making this step as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Fitting Your Bridge

First things first, we’ll remove the temporary bridge. Then, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: fitting your new, permanent bridge. This is a careful process. We’ll place the bridge, checking how it fits with your bite and how it looks alongside your other teeth. It’s all about making sure it feels just right and looks natural.

Making Adjustments

Sometimes, the fit isn’t perfect on the first try. And that’s okay! We’ll make any needed adjustments. This might mean a bit of reshaping here and there. Our goal is precision. We want your bridge to feel like it’s always been part of your mouth. That is to say, we’ll take our time to get it just right.

Cementing Your Bridge

Once everything fits perfectly, it’s time to cement the bridge in place. This part is pretty quick. The cement we use is strong and designed to last. So, once your bridge is cemented, it’s a part of your smile for good. You’ll be able to bite, chew, and smile just like you used to.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Now that you have your new dental bridge, the process of getting a dental bridge comes to a close, but taking care of it is just beginning. At “Dentists In Annerley,” we want to make sure you know how to keep your bridge and the rest of your teeth healthy and strong.

Daily Cleaning

First off, cleaning around and under your dental bridge is key. You’ll want to brush twice a day and floss daily. There are special flosses and brushes designed to help clean around bridges, making it easier to keep everything tidy. Also, don’t forget to rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to help kill any bacteria lurking around.

Eating Smart

In addition to cleaning, being mindful of what you eat can also help protect your bridge. Try to avoid hard and sticky foods that could pull on or damage the bridge. That is to say, enjoy your meals, but maybe skip the caramel apples and hard nuts for a while.

Regular Check-Ups

Moreover, regular visits to your dentist in Annerley are super important. These check-ups let us see how your bridge is doing and catch any issues before they become big problems. We’re not just checking your bridge, though; we’re also making sure your whole mouth is healthy.

Spotting Issues Early

If you ever feel like something’s not quite right with your bridge, like it’s loose or uncomfortable, don’t wait. Give us a call. Catching and fixing small problems early can help your bridge last a lot longer.