5 Things You Need to Know About Dental Bridges

September 18, 2019 by Ginelle Dientes Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Bridges

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges can be an ideal treatment option for those who have lost teeth due to injury, decay, or other problems. For those with openings in their smile due to missing teeth, a dental bridge can solve the issue and restore your smile. Here are five things you need to know before you, and with the help of a dentist, determine if dental bridges are the right choice for you.

The Dental Bridge Defined- As you may know or might have suspected based on its name, dental bridges are essentially a ‘bridge’ which holds an artificial tooth and dental crowns in place, filling the openings left by the missing tooth. Once in place, the bridge will look, function, and feel like the natural tooth it replaced.
Types of Dental Bridges- There are several types of dental bridges including fixed or traditional dental bridges, Maryland bridges, Cantilever bridges, and Implant-supported bridges. Traditional or fixed bridges are the most commonly used, followed by implant-supported bridges.
Benefits of the Popular Fixed Dental Bridge- Fixed or traditional dental bridges offer many advantages including the fact that they last for many years and do not need to be removed until a replacement is required (often 10 to 15 years). While the dental bridge is in place, it can help fortify the surrounding teeth, preserve the musculature and shape of your face, and restore your smile.
Fitting Your Traditional Dental Bridge- Unlike other dental bridge procedures, the fixed dental bridge doesn’t require lengthy procedures or multiple visits to the office. The procedure is performed with numbing agents to ensure it is pain-free. Once the area is numbed, the dentist will file the teeth surrounding the opening. Crowns are then placed on these teeth and will act in support of the artificial tooth (porcelain or ceramic) being placed. When the dentist has the final dental bridge complete with a new, aesthetically pleasing artificial tooth, they will place it in the opening and secure it with the crowns.
Caring for Your New Dental Bridge- The caring process for your new dental bridge is simple and easy; you take care of it exactly as you do with the rest of your teeth. That means brushing your teeth three times a day along with flossing. Doing so will prevent tooth decay as well as gum disease. You’ll also want to continue regular visits with your dentist, every six months to ensure there are no health issues. While there, you’ll have a dental cleaning procedure done to remove plaque and tartar, which is something normal brushing and flossing can’t perform.