Dental Bridges
Missing teeth can make it challenging to chew and speak normally. Luckily, restorative dentistry offers solutions, including dental bridges.
About Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are fixed devices that are anchored to the two teeth on either side of a gap in your smile. The anchors support an artificial tooth that replaces the missing one. The bridge restores your smile so it looks and feels like having all your natural teeth. It also stops the surrounding teeth from shifting and helps maintain your facial shape.
Types of Dental Bridges
Some other types of dental bridges use different support systems, like cantilever bridges that are only anchored to a tooth on one side. Porcelain, ceramics, metal alloys, and zirconia are all common materials in dental bridges.
Tooth Replacement Options
If you’re thinking about a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth, a consultation is the first step. Talk to your dentist about your tooth replacement options. Together, you can weigh possibilities based on factors like durability, cost, and the invasiveness of the procedure. Bridges are generally recommended when you want a quicker and less invasive option for replacing no more than a few missing teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a restorative dentistry treatment that fills the gap left by a missing tooth. The device attaches to the two teeth on either side of the gap and has a connecting artificial tooth, forming a bridge.
During the procedure, your dentist will numb the area with local anesthesia and reshape the teeth next to the gap. They take a mold or scan of your teeth and place a temporary bridge.
Between visits, a dental lab will create your permanent bridge. Your next visit is when the dentist will remove the temporary bridge, clean the area, and fit the permanent bridge. Cement holds the bridge in place on the adjacent teeth.
How is a bridge different from an implant?
Dental bridges and implants both replace lost teeth, but these treatments have many differences. Weigh the pros and cons of each when choosing a bridge vs. an implant.
While bridges rely on neighboring teeth to support the artificial tooth, implants use a titanium screw that’s surgically implanted into the jawbone. Dental implants stand alone and don’t affect the surrounding teeth. With a bridge, your dentist needs to file down the healthy adjacent teeth so they can act as anchors to hold up the artificial tooth.
Dental bridge costs are generally much lower than the cost of implants. They’re also faster to install because they don’t require surgery. However, implants typically last longer, help preserve jawbone density, and don’t require altering healthy teeth.
How long do dental bridges last?
Expect your dental bridge to last between five and 15 years. The exact lifespan of your dental bridge will depend on factors like:
- Oral hygiene: Brush your teeth and floss regularly with a floss threader or water flosser under the bridge to prevent decay.
- Habits: Avoid causing wear to your bridge by chewing hard foods, like ice and hard candies, or using your teeth to open things.
- Professional care: Don’t skip regular dental checkups. Your dentist may find and fix an issue early to help prevent damage to your bridge.
Type of bridge: Implant-supported bridges are more stable and durable, so they tend to last longer than traditional bridges.
How do I care for a dental bridge?
After your dentist installs your new dental bridge, they will offer advice on how to properly take care of it. Follow those tips and these to help your bridge last as long as possible:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste, including the bridge and surrounding gum line.
- Use a floss threader or water flosser every day to clean under the artificial tooth.
- Don’t chew on objects like pens and nails.
- If you play sports, wear a mouthguard.
- Avoid sticky foods like caramel and coffee.
- Try to break the habit of grinding your teeth.
