Dental bridges are a dental prostheses that literally bridges the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It is a common dental restoration that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. This is done by joining an artificial tooth to adjacent teeth or dental implants.

What are the benefits of a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is an excellent, attractive, cosmetic way to cover gaps created by missing teeth. Your bridge will blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth, and be a permanent, fixed structure in the mouth. As well as closing gaps, a bridge can improve upon the appearance of the tooth that’s been lost, even the teeth on either side. Because the bridge is a fixed, permanent option, chewing and eating all kinds of food is not a problem, and your bridge can be cared for in much the same way as natural teeth.

How do Dental Bridges work?

In order for the bridge to be anchored firmly, the teeth on either side must be filed down to accommodate dental cement required to hold it in place. This means sacrificing the appearance of healthy teeth (the tooth’s roots are not affected) in order to achieve a flawless sequence of new teeth. Natural teeth and implants, secured into the jawline are cleaned in the usual way with brushing and flossing, however because a bridge is supported by teeth on either side, extra cleaning is required to reach parts which need cleaning around the gum. This is not a major problem, though can in some cases lead to a build-up of plaque or tartar occurring in hard-to-reach places. Your dentist will be able to assess if you are likely to experience difficulty maintaining a dental bridge.

Will I need my Dental Bridge replaced?

When cared for correctly, dental bridges can last decades. Patients who don’t smoke, and follow recommended cleaning and oral hygiene practices will see the longest lifespan of their bridge. Your dentist will assess your bridge like any other part of your oral exam, during routine check-ups, and advise of any changes indicating treatment or upkeep may be required. A dental bridge is a vastly superior option to a removable partial denture for covering a missing tooth, though its benefits do not meet those of dental bridge, which supports and maintains facial and jawbone, as well as providing a visually pleasing replacement for a lost tooth. A dental bridge will not preserve the integrity of the jawbone in the way an implant can, and therefore must be monitored to track bone shrinkage.

Can my Bridge fall out?

This is unlikely, though not impossible, especially if you experience a knock or other trauma. It’s also possible to weaken your bridge through grinding teeth over time, both during the day and a night. Losing a tooth is an unsettling occurrence, though fortunately it’s usually easily fixed. Never attempt to use domestic or non-surgical adhesives, as this is unlikely to reattach your bridge, instead causing damage to the bridge and potentially creating problems for gum tissue. Using unsuitable substances on your dental bridge is likely to create problems requiring it to be replaced, instead of simply reattached. If your bridge falls out, call your dentist at once. If you are away from home, seek advice from a pharmacist for over-the-counter solutions, which will provide a temporary solution until you can get to your dentists’ office.

What is the next step if I am interested in Dental Bridges?

The next step is to make an appointment with one of our Oliveira and Cardo Dental care dentist to discuss the suitability of a dental bridge. There are other options and dental veneers are just one way of having perfect or almost perfect teeth. Call our office to make an appointment and we can advise about your options.