Five Essential Things to Know About Dental Bridges

Dentist Blog

When considering dental restoration options, dental bridges stand out as a popular choice for filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Not only do they restore the functionality and aesthetics of your smile, but they also offer several benefits over other dental procedures. Here are five crucial things to understand about dental bridges:

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a custom-made false tooth or teeth, termed pontics, which are anchored on either side by dental crowns placed on the natural teeth or implants. Crafted from materials such as porcelain, ceramics, or metal alloys, bridges are engineered to replicate natural teeth in both appearance and function.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are mainly four types of dental bridges:

• Traditional Bridges: The most common type involving one or more pontics held in place by dental crowns on either side.
• Cantilever Bridges: Used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth.
• Maryland Bridges: Renowned for their minimal invasiveness, these bridges feature a metal or porcelain framework that is affixed to the backs of the neighboring teeth.
• Implant-Supported Bridges: Ideal for multiple missing teeth, these bridges are supported by dental implants rather than crowns or frameworks.

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges offer numerous benefits:

• Restored Smile: They effectively restore the appearance of your smile.
• Improved Chewing and Speaking: By replacing missing teeth, bridges help restore one's ability to chew and speak properly.
• Maintaining Facial Shape: Bridges prevent the facial sagging that can occur due to missing teeth.
• Proper Distribution of Force: They help in redistributing the bite force evenly by replacing missing teeth.
• Preventing Teeth Shift: Bridges stop remaining teeth from shifting, which can lead to a misaligned bite and other dental issues.

The Procedure for Getting a Dental Bridge

The process usually requires two visits to the dentist:

• First Visit: Preparation of the abutment teeth by reshaping them to accommodate the crowns, followed by taking impressions of the teeth to design the bridge, pontic, and crowns.
• Second Visit: Remove the temporary bridge, if placed, and fit the new permanent bridge. Adjustments may be made to ensure a proper fit.

Care and Maintenance

Dental bridges can last 5-15 years or even longer as long as you take care of them. Here are some care tips:

• Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash help prevent tooth decay and gum disease around the bridge.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
• Avoid Hard Foods: Prevent damage by avoiding chewing hard foods, ice, and other hard objects.

Dental bridges are a viable and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, thereby restoring your smile and the functional aspects of your mouth. Consulting with a dental professional will help you determine if a dental bridge is the best option for you based on your specific needs and circumstances.

Contact a dental provider to learn more, like The Szikman Dental Group, P.C.

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7 May 2024