Dental bridges can help restore the appearance and functionality of your teeth if you have lost teeth, notably missing front teeth. It fills in the space left by the lost tooth. If you need clarification on whether it’s right for you, speak with a dental professional. A dental bridge can replace one or more missing teeth with artificial teeth to close the gap. The pontic supports crowns (fake tooth) on either side of the missing tooth or teeth. And these crowns often construct a bridge and secure it in place.
What Is the Process of a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge uses artificial teeth to replace lost ones permanently. Each tooth on each side of the gap is connected to the bridge. Porcelain, metal, a combination of the two, or zirconia are the typical materials of bridges.
What Kinds of Dental Bridges Are Available?
There are four main types of bridges:
- Traditional Fixed Bridge: The most typical type of bridge is the traditional one. It has two or more crowns and a filler tooth or teeth that are all connected. The crowns secure the bridge. Metal, porcelain fused to metal, or ceramics are the usual materials of bridges.
- Cantilever Bridge: With this type of bridge, the pontic is attached to just one tooth serving as the abutment. This is occasionally an option for those with teeth only on one side of the gap.
- Maryland Dental Bridge (Resin-bonded Bridge): If your front teeth are missing, you may need this type of dental bridge. It is supported by a framework and made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramic teeth. Each side of the bridge has wings attached to your natural teeth.
- Implant-supported Bridge: This bridge resembles a “traditional fixed bridge” but implants support it instead of being attached to teeth.
Why Do I Require a Dental Bridge?
Having a lost tooth or teeth can have various effects on you. The following changes can be addressed with a dental bridge:
- Restoring the ability to chew correctly.
- Readjusting your bite to divide the force you use when you chew evenly.
- Restoring your speech and pronunciation.
- Preventing the movement of your remaining teeth from their proper location.
Are There Any Risks or Issues with Dental Bridges?
Your bridge can last many years without any issues if you take good care of it. However, if the neighboring teeth decay or the cement breaks down, the bridge may fall apart. On the other hand, if the bridge falls away and the supporting teeth are still healthy and intact, your provider may be able to re-attach it with new cement.
Usefulness and Stability
As mentioned before well, positioned dental bridges can last for several years. A dental bridge can often endure for over ten years with proper oral care. The power of the healthy teeth that support the bridge is crucial to its success. Consequently, maintaining good oral health is essential to enhancing the dental bridge’s longevity. Therefore, patients should get instructions to clean their teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once a day. Moreover, regular professional dental cleanings might aid in enhancing dental health.
Changes in Diet
You may need to be extra cautious about what you eat in the days following your bridge placement because your mouth will likely be healing. During that time, your dentist will provide you with detailed instructions to follow. Long-term damage from specific meals to dental bridges or abutment teeth is possible. If you have a dental bridge, you should avoid the following foods:
- Hard candy or snacks
- Chewy/sticky candy (may pull crowns off of the abutment teeth)
- Sugary foods (which can lead to tooth decay under crowns)
- Popcorn
- Nuts
What Alternatives Exist to Dental Bridges?
The main alternative to a dental bridge is partial dentures, which are removable false teeth that you can take out to clean. Dental implants are another option.
You have various replacement choices to consider with your dentist if you have one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges provide a lot of advantages, and you should consider many aspects, including expenses, before making a choice. Contact us at ORIS Dental in Richmond Hill, Toronto, if you are considering replacing your lost teeth with dental bridges or any other alternative!
