Dentistry as an industry has made great strides in oral health care. Techniques, tools, and technology have all contributed to the evolution of Dentistry. For example, if you lost a tooth or are missing teeth, did you know you can have new teeth in just one day? Did you know that Dentistry utilizes laser therapy? Botox has been one of the newest trends in the 21st Century, and Dentistry has also incorporated botox into available oral care treatments. It’s phenomenal how much positive impact a good Dentist can make on the quality of your life.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the invention of the dental bridge and how it can literally fill in the gaps between a few missing teeth and a shiny smile.
A brief history of the dental bridge.
Missing teeth have been an ailment for many ages. Research has shown that civilizations from 4000 years ago have explored solutions for missing teeth. In 1500 BC, the Egyptians used a system of tooth replacement similar to what’s now known as the dental bridge. According to archeological evidence, “the Egyptians used gold and silver wire to thread artificial teeth together.” Other civilizations went as far as using animal or human teeth to fill in missing teeth which led to many cases of infection. The practice of wiring false teeth to real teeth continued to evolve.
In the 19th Century, George Washington famously used dentures as an answer to a lifetime of poor oral health. Contrary to popular belief though, they were not made of wood. They were made of ivory and they were wired to Washington’s real teeth. Today bridges are made up of medical grade ceramic and are applied by joining an artificial tooth permanently to adjacent teeth.
Why would one need a dental bridge?
Dental health is the most important reason for needing a bridge because teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders. Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge.
How is a dental bridge attached?
A traditional bridge is made by creating a crown for the teeth on either side of the space and placing a false tooth, or teeth, between the crowns. The crowns can be supported by natural teeth or by implants. The false tooth, or teeth, are attached to the crowns and fill the empty space.
A dental bridge is not the only treatment option. You might also benefit from partial dentures or dental implants. It’s important to talk with your Dentist to find out the best course of treatment. If you have missing teeth, set up an appointment with us! Gary C. Demetriou, D.M.D. uses the latest in dental technology to be able to enhance your smile using a wide variety of techniques, depending on what is necessary to each patient.
Dr, Demetriou practices a full scope of general and cosmetic dentistry with expertise ranging from porcelain veneers to dental implants, crowns, and bridges. Dr. Demetriou can now correct a wide variety of so-called permanent cosmetic dental problems, and can literally redesign your smile to look like the one you have always dreamed of having. Contact us today, we are committed to your oral health.