What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is one or more artificial teeth held in place by two dental crowns. It’s a good option for men and women who are missing one tooth or multiple teeth in a row. A high-quality bridge will last for years, and it helps offset some of the negative effects of missing teeth.
What are some benefits of dental bridges?
A dental bridge is an affordable option to replace missing teeth. Bridgework can also be very durable, giving you years of service.
When you have multiple missing teeth, the shape of your face can change, making you look much older than your years. A bridge restores the structure that gives your cheeks and surrounding tissues proper support.
Missing teeth can also complicate nutrition. When you are not able to eat certain foods your diet can become limited. That can leave you without the nutrients you need to stay healthy, which can cause a cascade of negative effects.
Finally, missing teeth can change the way you speak. For some men and women, altered speech patterns lead to a lack of confidence when communicating, which can, in turn, lead to social isolation.
How is a dental bridge installed?
Once you and your dentist decide a bridge is right for you, the teeth on either side of the gap are prepared for crowns. A portion of natural tooth tissue is removed to make room for the crown. Impressions or images are created to provide the dental lab with the specifications needed to craft your custom crown.
A temporary bridge protects your teeth while the crown is manufactured. Once it arrives you return to have the crowns cemented into place. The artificial teeth are attached to the crowns, which hold it securely in place.
How should I take care of my new dental bridge?
The best way to take care of your dental bridge is to maintain a solid dental hygiene routine. While your bridge and crowns cannot decay, it’s important to remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth to protect your natural teeth and gum tissue.
Be sure to floss around your bridge to remove any small particles of food that could become trapped in the area where your bridgework meets your gum tissue. There are numerous types of dental hygiene tools available, and your dentist can recommend which options to try.
If you’re ready to take action to replace one or more missing teeth, schedule a visit to discuss dental bridges, dental implants, dentures, or All-on-4 implant-supported dentures. You can schedule a visit online, or simply call the office to speak with a member of the administrative staff.
