Did you know that people once used materials like beeswax and wood to fix damaged teeth? Thankfully, those days are over and we now have much more reliable ways to restore teeth, including restorations like dental bridges. However, all bridges are not created equal! The material a prosthodontist in downtown Los Angeles uses for a bridge makes a big difference in its overall quality, appearance, and longevity. Keep reading below to learn about the general benefits of dental bridges and the advantages of having them made with an outstanding material called zirconia.
What Are the Benefits of a Dental Bridge?
When a tooth can’t be saved and has to be extracted, it’s important to replace it for multiple reasons. First, any remaining teeth behind the missing space will begin to shift, move, or tip forward. This leads to changes in your bite and increases the risk of gum disease and cavities on these teeth.
Second, while you probably don’t realize it, you use every tooth to eat and speak comfortably. Chewing hard, tough foods and articulating words become more difficult after tooth loss.
Not to mention that a missing tooth can make you want to cover your mouth when you smile or laugh. Feeling self-conscious about your appearance affects both your personal and professional life in many ways.
The good news? A bridge can help you avoid the consequences of tooth loss by beautifully restoring your smile.
What Are the Advantages of Zirconia?
Bridges and other restorations can be made of various materials, including gold, porcelain, ceramic and zirconia. Although a dentist in downtown Los Angeles will take your individual circumstances into account before making a recommendation, zirconia is an excellent choice for several reasons:
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It combines the strength of metal with the cosmetic benefits of porcelain, so it’s not only incredibly strong but also looks very natural.
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It can be precisely matched to the rest of your smile so it blends in seamlessly.
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It can be layered with other materials such as porcelain for even better esthetic appeal.
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Zirconia is bio-compatible, meaning it won’t cause any negative reactions in the human body (as opposed to metals which can sometimes cause allergic reactions).
Although no dental material is quite as good as enamel, zirconia is very strong and will hold up well to chewing forces (similar to the way natural teeth do). With a bridge made from zirconia, you’ll have a smile that feels great and functions well, but also looks fantastic too!
About the Author
Dr. Adam Geach is a board-certified prosthodontist in downtown Los Angeles and a graduate of Harvard School of Dental Medicine. When choosing a material for a dental restoration, he always keeps his patients’ unique needs, goals and long-term oral health in mind. If you have any other questions about bridges or other restorations, he can be contacted through his website.
