Many dentists prefer PFM bridges for the correction of missing or damaged teeth because they are a strong dental restoration option and they provide a natural dental structure. They keep a person’s dental health in check and help them maintain a beautiful smile. At PM KJB Dental Lab, we understand the value of a healthy smile, and we want to further explain PFM bridges and their benefits, which is why we wrote this blog in which we compare PFM bridges and their functionality to other options people have, like zirconia and PFMcrownsn, as well as inlays and onlays. Let’s get started!
What Are PFM Bridges?
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal bridges, or PFM bridges, are dental restorations intended to fill in the space left by missing teeth. They consist of a sturdy metal core that is covered with porcelain. The metal ensures that the bridge is strong, while the porcelain enhances the appearance of the bridge to be like that of a real tooth. If a dentist recommends linear dental restorations, PFM bridges are likely the best option because they are not only strong but also aesthetically pleasing to the rest of the set of teeth.
When you have one or more consecutive missing teeth, a PFM bridge can be used to restore dental function. Anchor teeth on either side of the missing teeth, which must be healthy, serve as the support for the bridge. The PFM bridge improves your chewing, speaking, and smiling functions, and is a permanent dental restoration that improves oral health.
Why Choose PFM Bridges?
There are many reasons why dentists recommend PFM bridges. They are a great mix of strength, beauty, and affordability. Here are the top reasons why they stand out:
1. Strong and Long-Lasting
PFM bridges are built to last. The metal core makes them very strong. They can handle the pressure of chewing hard foods like nuts or apples. With proper care, a PFM bridge can last 10-15 years or even longer. This makes them a great choice for lasting oral health.
2. Natural Look
Your PFM bridge will have a porcelain layer that will replicate real teeth closely. Using his expertise, your dentist will create a colour blend with your natural teeth, so your bridge remains undetectable. You will be able to feel comfortable while smiling, speaking, or laughing. The positive feeling a person is able to experience when they smile without restraint is truly astonishing.
3. Affordable Option
Compared to other options like zirconia bridges, PFM bridges are more budget-friendly. They give you high quality without breaking the bank. For people who want a reliable and good-looking solution, PFM bridges are a smart choice.
4. Protects Your Oral Health
The absence of even a single tooth can lead to numerous complications. Your teeth may shift, resulting in a bite problem. It may also make it difficult to chew food or speak properly. PFM bridges close the gaps and the teeth. Additionally, they help in preventing bone loss in the jaw, which is another complication of missing teeth.
5. Easy to Maintain
Taking care of PFM bridges is simple. You brush and floss them like your natural teeth. Regular dental checkups keep them in great shape. With good oral hygiene, your PFM bridge will stay strong and look great for years.
How Do PFM Bridges Compare to Other Options?
You might wonder how PFM bridges stack up against other dental restorations like PFM crowns, zirconia, or inlays and onlays. Let’s break it down.
PFM Bridges vs. PFM Crowns
PFM crowns and PFM bridges are similar because they both use porcelain and metal. But they serve different purposes. A PFM crown covers a single damaged tooth to protect it. A PFM bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by connecting to healthy teeth. If you’re missing a tooth, a PFM bridge is the better choice. If you have a weak or damaged tooth, a PFM crown might be what you need.
PFM Bridges vs. Zirconia
Zirconia bridges are another popular option. They are made from a strong, tooth-colored material called zirconia. Zirconia bridges are very durable and look great. But they are often more expensive than PFM bridges. Some people prefer zirconia for its modern look, but PFM bridges are still a top choice for their strength and affordability. Dentists often recommend PFM bridges when cost is a concern.
PFM Bridges vs. Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are used to fix damaged teeth, not replace missing ones. They are like partial crowns that cover part of a tooth. If you’re missing a tooth, inlays and onlays won’t work. PFM bridges are the go-to solution for filling gaps and restoring your smile.
The Process of Getting a PFM Bridge
Getting a PFM bridge is a simple process. It usually takes two or three visits to your dentist. Here’s what happens:
- Consultation: Your dentist checks your teeth and mouth. They take X-rays to make sure a PFM bridge is right for you.
- Preparation: The dentist prepares the anchor teeth by shaping them slightly. This helps the bridge fit perfectly.
- Impressions: The dentist takes impressions of your teeth. These are sent to a dental lab, like PM KJB Dental Lab, to create your custom bridge.
- Temporary Bridge: You may get a temporary bridge to wear while your permanent one is made.
- Fitting: Once the PFM bridge is ready, your dentist fits it in your mouth. They make sure it feels comfortable and looks natural.
- Final Touches: The dentist bonds the bridge to your teeth. They check your bite to ensure everything works perfectly.
Benefits of PFM Bridges for Oral Health
PFM bridges do more than just fill gaps. They help your overall oral health in many ways. Let’s look at some key benefits:
Prevents Teeth from Shifting
When you lose a tooth, the nearby teeth can move out of place. This can mess up your bite and make it harder to chew. PFM bridges keep your teeth in their proper positions. This helps you avoid bigger dental problems down the road.
Supports Jawbone Health
Missing teeth can cause your jawbone to weaken over time. This happens because the bone doesn’t get enough stimulation. A PFM bridge fills the gap and supports the jawbone. It helps keep your jaw strong and healthy.
Aids in Chewing and Speaking
Proper mastication is hindered by the absence of teeth, which can cause an array of issues, including improper digestion. Suitable phonation is also affected, rendering some words difficult to pronounce. With the help of your PFM bridge, you will be able to use your teeth and tongue to their fullest. Now you can dine and converse with confidence.
Boosts Confidence
A smile with missing teeth can be damaging to one’s self-esteem. With a PFM bridge, your smile looks complete with healthy teeth. This enables you to interact with ease in social gatherings, in the workplace, and even during photoshoots. Remember, a smile is the expression of happiness!
Lower Chances of Gum Disorders
An open space in your teeth can retain food particles and harmful microorganisms. This can lead to a higher chance of getting gum infections and tooth decay. PFM bridges take care of these open spaces, allowing one to maintain oral hygiene. With the right oral hygiene, the gums are kept in good condition.
Maintaining Your PFM Bridge
Maintaining your PFM bridge is straightforward. The following checklist will help ensure its longevity:
- Brush Twice Daily: Employ the use of a soft-bristle toothbrush and toothpaste that does not contain abrasive materials. This will ensure that the bridge remains clean and retains its lustre.
- Floss Daily: Flossing is critical in the removal of trapped food and plaque beneath the bridge. For optimal results, a floss threader or water flosser should be used.
- Consult Your Dentist: Consistent checkups allow your dentist to address potential concerns as they arise. In addition, they can perform professional cleanings on your bridge and verify its functionality.
- Steer Clear of Hard Foods: Your bridge is susceptible to damage from ice or hard candy. Therefore, protecting it involves eating only softer foods.
- Stop Smoking: Smoking causes discolouration of your bridge and has a detrimental effect on your gums. Stopping smoking benefits the health of your mouth and preserves the appearance of your bridge.
Final Thoughts
PFM bridges have proven time and again that they are some of the most dependable and trustworthy dental restorations. They offer the lasting strength and natural look you can expect from good dental work, with additional long-term advantages for your oral health. PFM bridges are the only option when it comes to regaining full chewing function, improving speech, and restoring a confident smile.
In relation to other dental restorations such as Zirconia, PFM Crowns, Inlays and Onlays, and dental implants, PFM bridges stand out because of their reasonable pricing, strength, and well-documented efficacy. They can well outlive the warranty period you will receive, allowing patients the ease and utility they are entitled to.
At PM KJB Dental Lab, we devote ourselves to the creation of PFM bridges of the utmost quality, which guarantees not only impeccable precision but also durability. Our bridges are a trademark of excellence for dentists, and our patients adore the results. We contribute to our patients’ smiles and to their oral health, which lasts a lifetime.
