Dental bridges can last over a decade with proper care and maintenance.
During the initial consultation at Campfire Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Nathan Benassi will conduct a thorough examination of your child's oral health. This step involves taking detailed dental impressions and X-rays to assess the condition of the surrounding teeth and gums. Dr. Benassi will discuss the various options available, ensuring the chosen treatment aligns with your child's needs.
This collaborative approach ensures that parents are informed and comfortable with the proposed treatment plan. By understanding the unique structure of your child's mouth, Dr. Benassi can craft a personalized plan that ensures the dental bridge fits seamlessly and functions effectively.
After the initial consultation, the next step involves preparing the abutment teeth, which are the teeth adjacent to the gap. This preparation includes reshaping these teeth to accommodate crowns that will support the bridge. Once the teeth are prepared, impressions are taken to create a custom bridge tailored to your child's mouth.
While waiting for the permanent bridge, a temporary bridge is placed to protect the exposed teeth and gums. This temporary solution ensures that your child can continue their daily activities without discomfort, maintaining their smile and oral function until the permanent bridge is ready.
When your child’s custom dental bridge is ready, Dr. Benassi will schedule a fitting appointment. During this visit, the temporary bridge is removed, and the permanent bridge is carefully fitted. Dr. Benassi will make precise adjustments to ensure the bridge fits comfortably and functions as intended.
This step is crucial as it ensures the bridge aligns correctly with your child's bite and does not cause any discomfort. Once the fit is perfect, the bridge is permanently cemented into place. Dr. Benassi will also provide guidance on how to care for the new bridge, ensuring it remains a durable and effective solution for years to come.
One of the primary benefits of dental bridges is the restoration of a natural-looking smile. Missing teeth can affect a child's confidence and willingness to smile. By filling the gap with a dental bridge, your child can enjoy a full, beautiful smile that boosts their self-esteem. This improvement in appearance can have a positive impact on their social interactions and overall well-being, making them more confident in school and social settings.
Dental bridges play a critical role in maintaining the proper alignment of teeth. When one or more adult teeth are missing, the adjacent teeth can shift into the empty space. This often leads to misalignment and bite issues. By placing a bridge, the risk of shifting is minimized, preserving the natural alignment of teeth. This preventative measure helps avoid more complex orthodontic treatments in the future, ensuring your child's dental development remains on track.
Another significant benefit of dental bridges is the restoration of oral function. Missing teeth can make it difficult for children to chew food properly and may affect their speech. Dental bridges provide the necessary support to chew food efficiently and clearly pronounce words. This support is crucial for a child's overall health and development, as it ensures they can enjoy a varied diet and communicate effectively.
Children's dental health impacts their self-esteem and academic performance significantly.