If you have missing teeth in your smile, whether from injury, tooth decay, extraction or age, one effective option is to replace them with a dental bridge to “bridge” the space left behind. This tooth replacement option is fixed into your mouth by attaching them to the teeth next to them. Because of this, the bridge stays in your mouth, unlike dentures which are typically removed. Today we’re going to answer your most common questions about bridges.
What are dental bridges?
A conventional bridge is the most common type, where the remaining neighboring teeth on both sides of the missing teeth gap are covered with a false crown. A bridge can even be added to a dental implant. There are three kinds of bridges, including the traditional fixed bridge which joins to crowns and the resin-bonded (‘Maryland’) bridge – which uses metal clasps onto the false tooth instead of crowns to keep the bridge in place. A third bridge option is a cantilever, which uses just one adjacent tooth to keep it in place and can be either fixed or held by resin-bonded clasps. Traditional, fixed bridges are permanently cemented in your mouth, while your removable, partial dental bridge can be taken out. A bridge can be made from porcelain-fused-to-metal, porcelain or ceramic, and metal such as gold. A partial dental bridge is removable so many patients remove them to sleep and clean.
Why replace missing teeth?
Teeth are placeholders that keep your facial structure intact. Missing teeth eventually lead to bone loss from lack of chewing stimulation. This can leave your face sunken, appearing much older than you are. To support your facial structure, having a tooth replacement option like dental bridges is a solid choice. A bridge will also protect your remaining teeth which would otherwise need to make up for the previous biting force. Your bridge can also protect fillings and crowns on those nearby teeth. Missing teeth can also lead to jaw problems (TMJ), and even make your surrounding teeth harder to brush and floss if they shift into them. Straight teeth are the easiest to clean, which means fewer cavities and gum problems to worry about.
Am I a good candidate for a dental bridge?
That’s a great question! Our dentist will evaluate your smile to determine if you would benefit from a dental bridge. If you have one or more missing adult teeth, are in good general and oral health, your neighboring teeth are healthy and the underlying bone structure is strong, you are a great candidate! You will still need to maintain your good oral hygiene habits because you’ll need to take care of your bridge like you do your own teeth.
How long will my dental bridge last?
If you take good care of your teeth and gums and visit our dentist regularly for routine cleanings and exams, your dental bridge may last 10 or more years, although the average is five to seven years. It also depends on the materials used for your bridge as well as where in your mouth the bridge is located.
Can I still eat my favorite foods?
Initially, you will need to stick to soft foods until you are used to your bridge. Keeping your smile healthy after that means you can eat fruit, vegetables and plenty of fiber. You’ll want to stay away from chewy or sticky candies, hard candy or snacks, sugary sweet foods that can cause cavities underneath the crown, as well as popcorn and nuts. As you can see, these are the same foods that wreak havoc on braces.
Is my dental bridge going to hurt?
That’s easy, no, they generally don’t hurt! Even when our dentist prepares your teeth for the bridge, we can use local anesthesia to numb the area for you. Once that wears off, you could have some sensitivity but that is easily managed with an over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication.
What happens if my bridge breaks?
Daily cleaning is essential to maintain your bridge, but there are times when a bridge might break. Sometimes our dentist may find an issue during your routine dental exam. At that time, our dentist can often fix the damage. If you notice an issue, you’ll want to let us know as soon as you can, because waiting too long may make it unfixable. And if your bridge has chips or fractures, or if it comes off all the way, our dentist may need to replace it. Since replacement bridges don’t usually last the same as the original, you might consider fixing the tooth with a dental implant.
If you have any questions or concerns about your smile, please give our Kell Dental Arts Team in Hudson, WI, a call today at 715-386-9711. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile!