The impact of tooth loss can be far-reaching. Without the proper care, it can be disastrous.
Tooth loss affects more than just appearance. One or more missing teeth can affect a person’s ability to bite, chew, and speak, and the confidence with which they smile and laugh. Fortunately, dental bridges can help to restore alignment, structural integrity, bite functionality, and smile aesthetics in the aftermath of tooth loss.
If you’re considering a dental bridge, understanding the procedure, its benefits, and the care involved will help you make this vital decision concerning your dental health.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device designed to fill gaps created by missing teeth. Bridges consist of one or more artificial teeth (or pontics) held in place by dental crowns on surrounding natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges are often made from porcelain (but can also be made from a combination of gold and metal alloys) and are customized to match the look and feel of natural teeth.
There are multiple types of dental bridges:
- Traditional — The most common type of bridge, which attaches to crowns on the natural teeth adjacent to the gap.
- Cantilever — Used when only one natural tooth is available for support.
- Maryland bonded — Uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth.
- Implant-supported — Held in place by dental implants instead of natural teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer several benefits to oral health and overall quality of life. The most significant include:
- Restoring function — Dental bridges restore natural and comfortable chewing and speaking functions.
- Preventing shifting — Gaps created by missing teeth allow adjacent teeth to overcrowd or shift out of alignment. Bridges prevent this shifting.
- Improved aesthetics — Bridges blend seamlessly with natural teeth, enhancing smile aesthetics and self-confidence.
- Supporting facial structure — Gaps caused by tooth loss can cause facial sagging. Dental bridges help maintain natural facial structure and shape.
- Durability — With proper care, dental bridges can last well over a decade!
The Process of Getting a Dental Bridge
Getting a dental bridge typically involves two or more dental visits. Here’s what you can expect during each step of the procedure:
- During an initial consultation, your dentist will begin by assessing the condition of your teeth and taking impressions or scans to create a model for the bridge. If you’re using natural teeth to anchor the bridge, they’ll be reshaped to accommodate crowns to hold the bridge in place.
- While waiting for your permanent bridge to be fabricated by a dental lab, your dentist will fit you with a temporary bridge.
- Once the permanent bridge is ready, your dentist removes the temporary bridge and places the permanent one. After adjusting for fit and comfort, the bridge is cemented or bonded securely in place.
- After placement, your dentist will schedule a follow-up visit to ensure the bridge’s fit and function and to make any necessary adjustments.
Care and Maintenance of Dental Bridges
Caring for a dental bridge is similar to maintaining natural teeth. Good oral hygiene practices are crucial to maximizing the lifespan of a dental bridge. Here are a few tips for bridge care:
- Brush and floss daily — Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to thoroughly clean your teeth and bridge. Floss under and around the bridge to remove food particles and plaque. Special flossing tools like threaders or interdental brushes can make this easier.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods — Hard foods can damage the bridge, while sticky foods may pull it out of place. Chew carefully, especially in the days following your bridge placement.
- Regular dental checkups — Visit your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings to monitor the condition of your bridge and the surrounding teeth.
- Consider fluoride treatments — If your dentist recommends it, fluoride treatments can help strengthen the natural teeth supporting your bridge.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Bridges?
While dental bridges are an excellent solution for tooth loss, certain conditions must be met for successful placement. Ideal candidates for bridges must:
- Have healthy adjacent teeth — Bridges rely on strong and healthy neighboring teeth for support.
- Have generally healthy teeth and gums — Candidates should have no serious oral health issues, like gum disease, that could affect a bridge’s effectiveness.
- Want a non-removable solution — Unlike dentures, bridges are fixed in place.
- Commit to proper aftercare — Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental checkups are essential for ensuring a dental bridge’s longevity.
If you’re missing teeth and want a reliable way to restore your smile and oral health, a dental bridge may be for you! Schedule a consultation with your dentist to discuss your options and determine if a bridge is appropriate for your needs.
Precisely Placing Dental Bridges in Camas, WA
If you’re looking for a dentist in Camas, WA, considering long-term tooth replacement options, and want to know more about the benefits of dental bridges, contact Dr. Demian Woyciehowsky and the friendly and knowledgeable Camas Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!