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Smile Makeover Plan Options for a Gummy Smile

A smile makeover can come in many forms. While you may think of this mostly as something that restores the look and function of teeth, gums can pose problems too. A common issue is what is known as a gummy smile. This occurs when more of a person’s gums than their teeth show when they smile. It can be an embarrassing condition and hinder the person’s smile. If you are struggling with this, you can get help from your dentist with one of the multiple treatments.

Causes of a gummy smile and its effects

One of the first features a person will notice about someone else is that individual’s smile. When the smile is mostly gum tissue, it can make the person feel ashamed or self-conscious. This can lead to self-esteem and self-image problems. The person may not want to smile and may avoid social settings altogether.

A gummy smile is something that a smile makeover can address. This condition can be the result of a few different factors. A poor bite is one of the most frequent challenges that a dentist can treat. When a patient’s jaw protrudes outwardly, it can show more of the gum tissue than normal. Some people are also born with excess gum tissue. Swollen gums from gum disease can also be a factor.

Meeting with the dentist

The first step to having a smile makeover to fix a gummy smile is to consult with the dentist. The dentist will examine the patient and review the person’s health history. The dentist can then go over different treatment plans and determine which one makes the most sense. The severity of the condition and how it affects the patient will play a key role in what treatment is right.

Scaling and root planing

This procedure is a typical one that the dentist may use to treat gum disease. It is also a good option for a smile makeover in patients who have a gummy smile. This is a deep-cleaning technique to reduce inflammation and restore the health of gums. A hygienist will take a dental tool and clean out the pockets in between each tooth. This removes any bacteria buildup. Afterward, the gums should reduce in size.

Gum lift

This is a good option when the person has too much gum tissue due to genetic factors. The dentist performs this type of smile makeover by removing some of the gum tissue around the teeth. This exposes more of the tooth than the gum. In severe cases, the dentist can alter the bone around the teeth in a process called crown lengthening.

Teeth straightening

Sometimes, fixing alignment and bite issues can be a good smile makeover for a gummy smile. The dentist may use braces, clear braces, or clear aligners to achieve this. By moving teeth into the correct position, less of the gum tissue will show when the person speaks or smiles. The treatment time for these processes can take one to three years.

Your smile makeover awaits

If you do not like how your gums affect your smile, it is time to do something about it. You do not have to hate your smile any longer. Talk to your dentist about how to treat a gummy smile effectively. These options could be right for you.

Request an appointment here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk or call Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 218-9901 for an appointment in our Indianapolis office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Smile Makeover in Indianapolis, IN.

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Smile Makeover Plan Options for a Gummy Smile2024-01-25T10:39:20+00:00

Professional Dental Cleaning FAQs

Professional dental cleaning appointments are an important part of maintaining good oral health. They are typically offered by general dentistry practices as these are the facilities where routine oral health care is provided. While most people do get a professional dental cleaning once or twice a year, there are individuals who skip them, which is not a good idea.

Questions and answers about dental cleanings from a general dentist

Below are a few frequently asked questions about professional dental cleanings. When curious about this general dentistry service, it can be helpful to review the following information.

How often is it necessary to get a dental cleaning?

It is necessary to get a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year. The majority of people, both children and adults, should undergo a professional dental cleaning every six months. However, some people, such as those who are at risk of developing certain oral conditions, may opt to get them done every three months or four times a year.

Do professional dental cleanings hurt?

No, professional dental cleanings do not hurt. There are a few types of dental cleanings that may induce some discomfort; however, these are only done for individuals who have gum disease. General dentists remedy any discomfort with medication and other treatments.

How long does a professional dental cleaning take?

Most people will spend about an hour at their general dentistry practice when undergoing a professional dental cleaning. Individuals with a lot of plaque or tartar buildup may have a lengthier appointment; however, those who practice good oral hygiene at home may spend less than 30 minutes in the chair.

Are there any benefits to getting dental cleanings?

Yes! There are a ton of benefits that come with getting a professional dental cleaning. The main benefit is that it helps individuals maintain good oral health. Dental cleanings keep plaque and tartar at a bare minimum, which means the teeth and gums should remain in relatively good health.

Can a professional dental cleaning prevent cavities and gum disease?

Yes! Oral hygiene at home is crucial in maintaining good oral health; however, professional dental cleanings also help keep the teeth and gums in good shape. Professional hygienists and dentists have instruments that are better at removing plaque and tartar, both of which cause cavities and gum disease.

Is fluoride a part of the professional dental cleaning process?

Sometimes. Although a dental cleaning is usually recommended twice a year, individuals typically only get a fluoride application once a year. Too much fluoride can actually do harm to the enamel, which defeats the purpose. However, those who have weak enamel may be required to get a fluoride application two or three times a year.

Find out more about professional dental cleanings

When looking for more information on professional dental cleanings, consult with a general dentist. An evaluation can be done in order to determine how often cleanings are needed. Reach out today to learn more or to get started with a consultation appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk or call Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 218-9901 for an appointment in our Indianapolis office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning in Indianapolis, IN.

Professional Dental Cleaning FAQs2024-01-25T10:39:21+00:00

Differences Between Aesthetic Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry?

Aesthetic dentistry can be a confusing, misunderstood term, especially given that many people are familiar with the term cosmetic dentistry. While they are similar in some ways, there are key differences between the two types of dental work and their purpose. As a patient or practitioner, it’s important to understand both types of dentistry and what might work best when looking at the holistic need or wants of the individual.

What is aesthetic dentistry?

Aesthetic focus’ on mimicking the natural look of someone’s smile or dental work. For example, let’s say we had someone walk into the dental office with a yellow tinge on their teeth that naturally occurred over time. While some people have a natural, bright-white smile, it’s common for people to have some dullness of color, especially if they drink things like coffee and wine often. In aesthetics, the focus for the patient would be to whiten the teeth in the most natural way possible.  Teeth whitening, dental bonding, and implants are all considered aesthetic procedures, as they work towards improving someone’s dental needs to achieve what may be the ideal smile. It is also imperative that all work is functional, comfortable, and healthy.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is like aesthetic dentistry in that they both work to achieve what the patient wants. Cosmetic dentistry focus’ more on how to achieve the PERFECT set of teeth for someone. These are the ideals from Hollywood that patient sometimes wants and look at how the teeth are perceived and how they look, as opposed to the occurring natural function. Examples of this include how straight the teeth are, gum alterations, and the shaping of the teeth. Veneers and fillings also fall into the cosmetic dentistry category.

Which do you choose?

Both fields have their benefits, and many times you will find that they overlap. Most dentists will work with both- they may want to give you the perfect white smile but ensure that it appears as natural as possible for your specific jaw structure. The biggest thing to consider is the end goal- are you looking to completely change your smile, or are you looking to work your smile into what you naturally already have? Most dentists can accommodate either preference. One is not better than the other but may change the course of action you or your provider will take in treatment.

If you are seeking braces, crowns, fillings, or other larger procedures, you will likely be referred to a cosmetic or aesthetic dental professional. This is because it is considered a specialty in the dental field, and often dental offices do not have these specialists in-house. These specialists will look at your jaw structure, oral hygiene, and the current stability of your teeth to establish what the best course of action may be. Many times, your dentist will work with a cosmetic or aesthetic professional already and can send you to someone they trust.

Request an appointment here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk or call Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 218-9901 for an appointment in our Indianapolis office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Differences Between Aesthetic Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry?2024-01-25T10:39:22+00:00

A Reason to Get Orthodontic Treatment – Crooked Teeth Are Harder to Clean

Orthodontic treatment is offered by general dentists in an effort to correct abnormalities with the teeth and the jaw. Of course, crooked or crowding teeth can poorly affect one’s ability to eat, smile, and even speak. Another aspect that most people do not realize is that oral hygiene can be extremely difficult too, which is why orthodontic treatment is so crucial. Keep reading to find out more!

Getting orthodontic treatment to improve oral hygiene routine

Below is a quick overview of why it may be a good idea to get orthodontic treatment when struggling with teeth cleaning. This information may be helpful to those who are having a hard time with oral hygiene.

The importance of oral hygiene

Oral hygiene is key at all times as it keeps the teeth and gums in good, healthy shape. Without oral hygiene, the teeth may decay, which can also poorly affect the gums by infecting them. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing are all key factors in a good oral hygiene routine; however, when the teeth are crooked, crowded, or gapped, it may be difficult to achieve a good routine.

How orthodontic treatment can help

When the teeth are struggling from crowding, crookedness, or gaps, it can be extremely difficult to clean the teeth in a proper manner. For example, some areas may be hard to reach, which can lead to build-up that turns into cavities. Orthodontic treatment can help make the teeth easier to clean by closing gaps, correcting crooked teeth, or evening out any crowding.

Oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment and after

Once orthodontic treatment begins, the general dentist can provide specific recommendations to help ensure that oral hygiene routines go smoothly. The orthodontic treatment type will determine the best oral hygiene routine. However, for the most part, it will be recommended to brush after every meal and to floss at least once a day. Rinsing is also a good idea to do after eating because it helps prevent a build-up of excess food debris that could turn into cavities.

Of course, it may be difficult to abide by the specific guidelines that the dentist provides due to crookedness, crowding, or the actual orthodontic treatment; however, it is advised to do as best as possible to ensure that the teeth remain healthy.

After orthodontic treatment is complete, it will be a lot easier to perform a solid oral hygiene routine. The intended result of orthodontic treatment is to have straightened and even teeth, which will make life a lot easier! Not only will oral hygiene be easier, but eating and smiling should be too. There should be fewer hard-to-reach areas, resulting in less of a chance that food will get stuck, thus preventing cavities from forming.

Talk to a general dentist

When in need of orthodontic treatment to make oral hygiene easier, the best thing to do is consult directly with a general dentist. The dentist can evaluate the crooked or crowding teeth and determine what type of orthodontic treatment is most suitable. From there, any questions or concerns can be appropriately addressed. To find out more about orthodontics or to get scheduled for an appointment, reach out today.

Request an appointment here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk or call Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 218-9901 for an appointment in our Indianapolis office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontic in Indianapolis, IN.

A Reason to Get Orthodontic Treatment – Crooked Teeth Are Harder to Clean2024-01-25T10:39:23+00:00

Can a Smile Makeover Improve Your Oral Health?

Most people consider a smile makeover to address cosmetic problems with the teeth or gums; however, what many do not know is that oral health can also be improved in the process. Although some smile makeover procedures do not have any oral health benefits, a lot actually do. Continue reading to learn more about these procedures and how they can improve oral health.

A smile makeover to improve oral health

Below is an overview of how a smile makeover may be able to improve oral health. This information can be helpful to individuals who are looking into different procedures.

Understanding what a smile makeover is

A smile makeover is defined as a process involving procedures to improve the way that the smile appears. The procedures may be geared towards the teeth, gums, jaw, or a combination of all of them. Outlined below are a few examples that are most commonly undergone.

  • Dental veneer placement to cover imperfections
  • Braces or clear aligners to address crowding or crookedness
  • Teeth whitening to lift stains

Procedures that can help improve oral health

There are an array of procedures that fall under the smile makeover umbrella; however, certain ones do help to improve oral health. Outlined below are a few examples.

  • Missing tooth replacement via implants: Dental implants stimulate the jawbone which is at risk of deteriorating when a natural tooth is lost. The procedure also protects the gums since they are left exposed after a tooth is lost
  • Gum grafting: When gum disease is present, they tend to recede, which results in the teeth being too exposed. This creates a high risk of injury, while also shortening the gums, making the support for the teeth reduced. Gum grafting adds tissue back, which results in stronger gums and more protected teeth
  • Teeth straightening: Although crooked teeth can be unappealing to look at, they can also result in oral health problems. Oral hygiene may be more difficult to achieve as there are harder to reach areas. Having the teeth straightened makes it harder for food particles to get stuck

The importance of oral health

Oral health is always important; however, it is especially important when undergoing a smile makeover. Dentists aim to make sure that both the teeth and gums remain in good shape throughout the process of transforming the smile. This means that procedures will be done to improve appearance and aesthetics, while also focusing on the health of the area being worked on.

Get started today

Want to find out more about smile makeovers? Talking with a dentist is the best place to start. An evaluation can be performed to determine what type of procedures are most suitable. From there, the dentist can answer any questions or go over any concerns. Additionally, the dentist can highlight how oral health may be able to be improved as it is specific to each patient. Reach out today to get scheduled for an appointment or to learn more!

Request an appointment here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk or call Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 218-9901 for an appointment in our Indianapolis office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Smile Makeover in Indianapolis, IN.

Can a Smile Makeover Improve Your Oral Health?2024-01-25T10:39:24+00:00

Dental Crown for a Tooth Restoration

One of the most effective ways to restore your damaged tooth and protect it from further damage is to fit it with a dental crowns. Crowns are used to cover your teeth and can be made from different materials, depending on your needs and the dentist’s recommendations. Crowns are typically made from gold or porcelain, although other materials may be appropriate for certain situations.

What is a dental crown?

A crown is a custom-fit cap that goes over your tooth, providing coverage and support. People often need a crown because they have lost all their tooth structure due to decay or an injury. To repair or replace severely damaged teeth, restorations such as crowns may be necessary. Although many different types of materials are used in crowns, typically, gold alloys and porcelain fused to metal are used.

Why would you need a crown?

The purpose of a dental crown is to protect your tooth. Crowns help improve your smile, but they also serve another valuable purpose: protecting your teeth. If you are missing more than half of your natural tooth structure, you may be at risk for severe damage without having a crown placed on that tooth first.

In addition to shielding your teeth from damage, crowns also support your tooth when chewing. If you have a severely damaged tooth that you can’t afford to lose, placing a crown on it will keep it strong and functional. It will look as natural as your other teeth, and it will still protect you from pain and discomfort.

What does the procedure entail?

The procedure to replace a tooth with a crown starts with an impression of your mouth to make sure you get exactly what you want in shape and color. Then, using that as a mold, the lab will add porcelain until it’s sturdy enough to hold up against chewing forces. In most cases, once that’s done, you wait about two weeks while they make certain adjustments if necessary. Finally, after everything is perfect, you come back into the office where they put on your new crown and cement it into place!

How long does it take to complete the procedure?

Crowns are usually completed in two visits. However, depending on your doctor’s procedure and dental office’s working schedule, it may take one. The materials used and your dentist’s specific expertise will also affect how long you need to remain in the office. In general, expect that visiting your dentist will take one or two days when you undergo a tooth restoration procedure involving a crown.

What are the potential risks associated with this procedure?

In rare instances, patients may experience complications. Risks include infection, nerve damage, or allergic reaction to materials used in treatment. If you notice swelling or prolonged pain after your procedure, please contact the dentist immediately. It is important to note that these risks are minimal compared to those of more invasive procedures like dental implants or tooth extractions. While rare, these risks should be discussed with your dentist before beginning treatment.

Contact your dentist

Crowns can help maintain the structure of your teeth. If you have been having issues with a chipped or cracked tooth, call your dentist today. Proper tooth care can keep your smile healthy for years to come.

Request an appointment here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk or call Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 218-9901 for an appointment in our Indianapolis office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges in Indianapolis, IN.

Dental Crown for a Tooth Restoration2024-01-25T10:39:25+00:00

Tips for Getting Comfortable With New Dentures

Dentures are great but adjusting to them can take some time. If you’re new to them or have just gotten a new set recently, there are several things you can do to get comfortable with them faster and make sure they fit properly in your mouth. Here are some tips to help you feel at home with your new teeth!

Commit to using them

The first step to feeling comfortable with your new teeth is making sure you use them all the time. When you take out your teeth and leave them in a cup or on a table, your brain doesn’t register that they are missing. It helps to create a routine so that you don’t forget your dentures.

Eat softer foods

Chewier foods—like steak and other red meats—may take some getting used to, especially if you’re new to artificial teeth. Start by eating softer foods, like bananas or mashed potatoes. Your jaw muscles will get used to chewing food again, and you’ll have an easier time when tackling more difficult foods down the road.

Wash them thoroughly at least once a day

The first and most important thing you can do to get comfortable with dentures is to wash them every day. If you want your new artificial teeth to feel like they’re a part of your mouth, you’ll need to help that process along by ensuring that they are clean and clear of bacteria. Otherwise, they’ll start feeling more like something outside of your mouth rather than an extension of it.

Keep food from getting stuck

Give yourself a little more time to adjust to your new teeth by avoiding foods that tend to get stuck in your teeth. Hard or sticky candies and nuts can cause trouble, as can any food that makes you clench your jaw or press down with your tongue. This is uncomfortable on its own, let alone when you have a new set of artificial teeth.

Use ice packs if soreness persists

Soreness is common when new teeth are first placed, and although it will lessen over time, there are some things you can do to ease discomfort. The first tip is simple: apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a damp cloth) on your cheek where your denture rests. The cold will numb that area and help reduce soreness. Some denture wearers find that soaking their mouth in warm saltwater helps relax muscles and relieve swelling.

Give yourself time to adjust

If you want to feel comfortable with your new teeth, make sure you put them in your mouth every time you eat. It may feel a little awkward or even painful at first, but after just a few days, that will go away. After enough use, you’ll grow accustomed to them, and they’ll become part of your daily routine.

Adjusting to a new set of teeth takes time and can sometimes be painful. If you follow these tips, you’ll get comfortable with your new teeth in no time! After all, it is possible to adjust—you need to do it slowly. Be patient and be kind to yourself.

Call your dentist

If you have followed some of these tips but are still struggling with how your dentures feel, contact your dentist. Sometimes the help of a professional can quickly identify the underlying issues and figure out the best approach to solving them. Additionally, because your dentures and gums are adapting, frequent adjustments may be necessary. Call your dentist today to schedule an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk or call Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 218-9901 for an appointment in our Indianapolis office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dentures in Indianapolis, IN.

Tips for Getting Comfortable With New Dentures2024-01-25T10:39:26+00:00

Ask a Dentist: When Should I Seek Out a Cosmetic Dentist?

When you are unhappy with your smile, a cosmetic dentist can help. Some people may simply want to improve the appearance of their smile because of some minor issues. Other patients may be looking for a smile makeover because their smile has been altered by decay or a traumatic injury. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can help everybody get the answers they need to get the confident smile they deserve. However, these specialized dentists don’t just give you a smile that looks great, they are also concerned with how your teeth and mouth function to help you improve your overall oral health.

Who should consider aesthetic dentistry?

There are a variety of different issues that people face when they want to improve their smile. One of the most common issues that people face is the color of their teeth. Over time, there area  variety of issues that cause the natural discoloration of the teeth. Sometimes this can be related to the foods you eat and drink, or habits like smoking. Additionally, discoloration can be caused by tooth decay, oral health, or genetic conditions. Fortunately, there are several different approaches you can take to get that bright white smile. This includes teeth whitening, veneers, or crowns.

If you are concerned about the alignment of your teeth or gaps between teeth, there are other options. One of the most common approaches is teeth straightening. Many cosmetic dentists can help you straighten your teeth by using a teeth alignment system. Invisalign is a common tool that can be used to help close gaps, straighten crooked teeth, or get overlapping teeth back into alignment.

If Invisalign seems too invasive for small gaps, you may also benefit from veneers. These are thin strips of porcelain that are adhered to the front surface of your teeth. Porcelain looks, feels, and functions like your normal teeth, so once your dentist has placed your veneers, it’s likely that you will even forget about having dental work!

Find the procedure that is right for you

There are a variety of different cosmetic procedures that can help improve the appearance of your smile. Sometimes you can talk to a general dentist to get the solutions that you need, but if you want a complete smile makeover, you should schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist.

Some of the issues that a cosmetic approach can help with are discolored teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, gaps between the teeth, crowding or overlapping teeth, gums that have moved too far up or down the tooth, or a variety of other issues.

Aesthetic dentistry offers several different techniques, such as caps, veneers, dental implants, teeth straightening, customized teeth whitening, and gum operations to help improve the appearance of your smile.

When you schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist, it is important to think about the things that you would like to improve with your smile. Writing some of these things down in advance can help. Additionally, if you can find pictures of somebody that has your ideal smile, it can help us recognize which procedures might be right for you. Finding the perfect smile doesn’t have to be impossible, and we can help.

Request an appointment here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk or call Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 218-9901 for an appointment in our Indianapolis office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cosmetic Dentist in Indianapolis, IN.

Ask a Dentist: When Should I Seek Out a Cosmetic Dentist?2024-01-25T10:39:27+00:00

Dental Restoration Procedures for Damaged Teeth

Dental restoration treatments might be right for you if you are unhappy about the way your teeth look. There are various treatments that a dentist can use to restore teeth. Each has its pros and cons, so the dentist will educate you about the best options for you.

Reasons that you might be unhappy with the appearance of your smile include:

  • Discolored/stained teeth
  • Poor teeth alignment
  • Cracked, chipped or broken teeth
  • Short or deformed teeth
  • Worn-down teeth
  • Decayed teeth

What to expect during dental restoration treatments

Dental restoration treatments start with the dentist evaluating the patient’s teeth. X-rays and other diagnostic tests might be performed to evaluate what is going on underneath the gums. The dentist might then recommend procedures like the following.

1. Teeth whitening

These treatments use bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide to remove stains from teeth. The bleaching agent penetrates teeth enamel, whitening the tooth’s inner layers as well. A single whitening treatment done at a dental clinic can improve the color of a person’s teeth by eight shades after a single treatment. For some people, that is enough to get the desired shade of white, while others need more treatments to reach the color they desire.

2. Veneers

These are thin shells that are used to cover a tooth’s front surface. It can hide issues like stains that do not respond to whitening treatments or deformities on a tooth. Veneers can also be used to make teeth appear better aligned. These restorations are popular with celebrities so actors can have smiles that suit their roles. They are now available to everyone.

3. Crowns

These are the most valuable players when it comes to oral restorations. Crowns have many uses in dentistry. They can be used to address cosmetic issues like stains and deformities. They can also be used to restore the function of damaged teeth or to protect them from bite forces and irritants in the mouth.

Also called caps, crowns are designed to cover up the visible part of teeth. They look just like real teeth and can be color-matched with the patient’s teeth.

4. Teeth straightening treatments

For some people, it is the alignment of their teeth that ruins the aesthetics of their smile. Teeth straightening appliances, like metal braces, ceramic braces and clear aligners, can be used to improve the alignment of a person’s teeth. Issues that orthodontic appliances can be used to fix include overbites, underbites and crossbites.

5. Composite bonding

Here is another versatile procedure that can be used to restore damaged teeth. It involves using composite resin to repair damaged teeth. The composite is made up of plastics and glass and applied to the patient’s tooth in layers. It can be molded as desired to restore the look and function of the tooth.

We can restore your damaged teeth

Call or visit our Indianapolis clinic to learn more about how our dentist can fix your damaged teeth.

Request an appointment here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk or call Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 218-9901 for an appointment in our Indianapolis office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Restorations in Indianapolis, IN.

Dental Restoration Procedures for Damaged Teeth2024-01-25T10:39:28+00:00

How a Dental Bridge Addresses a Missing Tooth

In dentistry, a dental bridge is one of the popular options for closing the gap left by a lost or extracted tooth. Bridges are typically made up of crowns on the sides of the gap, which cover adjacent health teeth, called the abutment teeth. These teeth support the replacement teeth, which could be one or more. For fixed prosthetics, the bridge is cemented permanently onto the healthy teeth, thus literally bridging the gap left by the lost teeth.

How a dental bridge is used for replacing a missing tooth

When it comes to using a dental bridge for tooth replacement, there are three major options. The materials used for fabricating the bridge typically include metal and porcelain. The dentist will determine the type of bridge that best addresses the needs of the patients and discuss these options before commencing the process. The types of dental bridges include:

  • Traditional fixed bridge: This restoration works by affixing the false tooth to a crown placed over the adjacent teeth for support
  • Cantilever bridge: This option is similar to the fixed bridge, except that the false tooth is bonded to only one tooth instead of two
  • Maryland bridge: These bridges are often used for front teeth to improve the smile’s appearance. It is also called a resin-bonded bridge and is fitted with metal or porcelain wings for support

Benefits of choosing dental bridges

There are many benefits to enjoy with dental bridges. They can help to strengthen damaged teeth, as well as enhance the appearance, alignment, bite, and shape of the teeth. By filling the gap left by the lost teeth, patients can prevent the existing teeth from shifting out of place. The bridge also stays securely in place and does not move around in the mouth. If the nearby teeth are decayed or damaged, the crown that comes with the dental bridge will cover and fortify them.

Getting a dental bridge

The dental bridge placement procedure is a multi-stage process that requires more than one dental appointment. In the first step, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic into the gum tissue before proceeding to reshape the teeth that will hold the crowns. Tooth preparation requires filing down part of the enamel layer to make the crowns fit securely.

After shaping the teeth, the dentist will make impressions of the lost tooth and the nearby teeth. The impression is forwarded to a dental lab to produce a bridge that fits the patient correctly. Until the final bridge is ready, patients will get a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth and cover the gap in the smile.

The permanent bridge should be ready in a few weeks, after which the patient will return to the dental office for placement. The dentist will check the bridge to ensure it aligns well with the remaining teeth and the bite.

Do you have one or more missing teeth?

If you have a missing tooth and think you might benefit from a dental bridge, book an appointment with our dentist for a consultation.

Request an appointment here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk or call Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 218-9901 for an appointment in our Indianapolis office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Bridges in Indianapolis, IN.

How a Dental Bridge Addresses a Missing Tooth2024-01-25T10:39:29+00:00

Request an appointment

Our office offers a full array of dental services to help you create a satisfying smile. For any business or financial matters, you can reach Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 2189901.

Complimentary parking, for patients with appointments only, is located around the corner from the dental office on East Tippecanoe Street and North Delaware Street.

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