How Bridges Use Your Natural Teeth
Peoria, AZ
 Dental bridges are a popular and effective solution to replace missing teeth. A dental bridge benefits patients by utilizing the strength and stability of natural teeth to support the artificial replacements. Dental bridge longevity depends on the type of bridge chosen and the specific case. There are dental bridge alternatives available to some patients. Pleasant Valley Dentistry team works with each patient to find the best solution for their specific needs.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are a tooth replacement device designed to "bridge" the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, that are anchored in place by dental crowns on the abutment teeth, which are the adjacent natural teeth on each side of the bridge. This ingenious design allows dental bridges to leverage the strength and stability of your existing teeth to restore your smile.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges, and each is suited to different situations:
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Traditional Bridges are the most common type, and consist of one or more pontics held in place by dental crowns on each side.
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Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth.
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Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth, which requires less modification of the natural teeth.
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Implant supported bridges use dental implants as anchors instead of natural teeth, and offer superior stability and longevity.
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Removable dental bridges are also known as partial dentures. These can be taken out for cleaning, and are typically less expensive than other options. |
How Do Bridges Work With Natural Teeth?
Understanding how dental bridges work with your natural teeth is crucial to appreciate their effectiveness. It starts with preparation, where the abutment teeth are prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crowns. The prepared natural teeth provide a strong foundation for the bridge, and bear the weight of chewing.
The bridge distributes the force of your bite across the abutment teeth, which prevents excessive stress on any single tooth. Over time, the patient adapts to the bridge, it becomes a seamless part of their mouth, and functions just like natural teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridge benefits extend beyond just filling gaps, they restore your appearance. Bridges improve the appearance of the smile, as well as facial structure, and improve the functions of the mouth. They restore the ability to chew, speak, and maintain proper bite alignment. In addition, they prevent the teeth from shifting out of position.
Dental bridges are also durable. With proper care, they last for years, and are often a more affordable option than other tooth replacements. Yet another benefit is that the dental bridge procedure is fast compared to other tooth replacement methods.
The Procedure for Getting a Dental Bridge
The dental bridge procedure is completed in several steps. Before any dental procedure, we have a consultation with the patient where we assess their oral health and discuss treatment options. Once we have worked with the patient and found that a dental bridge is the best course of action, we set an appointment to attach the bridge where the abutment teeth are prepared by removing some enamel, and molds of the teeth are taken to create the custom bridge.
Our team places a temporary bridge while the permanent one is being fabricated. Once we receive the custom bridge, it is fitted and adjusted for comfort and bite alignment. And once everything is perfect, the bridge is permanently cemented in place.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Caring for dental bridges is crucial to the longevity of the bridge, and our patient's oral health. For dental bridge maintenance, we ask that patients brush at least twice daily, and to use floss threaders or other tools to clean under the bridge at least once per day, preferably at night before bed. We also instruct patients to be cautious with very hard or sticky foods that could damage the bridge. Lastly, we schedule and perform regular professional cleanings and check ups.
Potential Issues and Complications
Dental bridges are overwhelmingly successful, but there are potential dental bridge complications. The first dental bridge complication is that it may affect a patient's bite, and require adjustment. When oral hygiene is poor, the supporting abutment teeth may develop cavities, or lead to gum issues around the bridge. Oral hygiene is absolutely crucial to maintain a bridge. In rare cases, a bridge may come loose or fall out, and require replacement, or patients may be unknowingly allergic to materials in the bridge.
FAQs
Considering a dental bridge comes with many questions.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
Dental bridge longevity varies, but with proper care, they can last five to 15 years or even longer. Factors that affect lifespan include oral hygiene, diet, and attending regular dental check ups.
Can Dental Bridges Be Removed?
Traditional dental bridges are permanent and cannot be removed by the patient. However, removable dental bridges, also known as partial dentures, can be removed for cleaning. If a permanent bridge needs removal, it must be done by a dentist.
How Do I Care for My Dental Bridge?
Caring for dental bridges requires regular brushing and flossing, using interdental brushes or floss threaders to clean under the bridge, the avoidance of very hard or sticky foods, and regular dental check ups and professional cleanings.
Are There Alternatives to Dental Bridges?
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Dental omplants are a more permanent solution, but require surgery.
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Partial dentures are a removable appliance that replaces multiple teeth.
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Resin bonded bridges are less invasive, but not as strong as traditional bridges.
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A dental flipper is a temporary, removable partial denture. |
Schedule a Dental Bridge Procedure Today!
Dental bridges are a versatile and effective way to replace missing teeth by utilizing the strength of your remaining, natural teeth. They offer numerous benefits such as improved appearance and function. Bridges do require maintenance and have potential complications, but still remain a popular solution for tooth loss. Call us at 623-561-1470 to schedule! |
