Dental bridges are one of the best solutions for replacing missing teeth. But as with any dental treatment, bridges work best to resolve certain issues and understanding when they are most applicable is important for patient satisfaction and results.
Dental Bridges 101: What They Are and How They Work
As fixed dental appliances, bridges replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. These appliances consist of one or more artificial teeth, also called pontics, that are anchored to natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. Made custom for each patient, dental bridges match the color and shape of their natural teeth, offering a good looking and functional way to restore your smile and improve oral health.
Dental bridges are usually porcelain, a material that allows shaping and coloring to match natural teeth. Bridges don’t just replace missing teeth; they also give adjacent teeth a makeover. The teeth either side of the gap normally are filed down and replaced with a crown to restore the health and appearance of these teeth as well.
Top Benefits of Dental Bridges for Missing Teeth
- Chewing Food: After tooth loss, patients may have difficulty chewing and grinding down food. Pain can also occur due to surrounding teeth shifting to fill the open space. Food particles can collect in the empty socket where the tooth came from and cause gum damage. Dental bridges can address all of these issues.
- Speaking Clearly: If there are several missing teeth, patients may struggle with pronouncing certain words or become self-conscious about speaking. Teeth play an important role in forming words in the mouth. Dental bridges help resolve these issues by resolving the tooth loss that caused it.
- Fast & Easy Placement: Patients will be happy to know the placement of dental bridges is a fast and easy process. Most people only need to make two trips to the dentist. During the first appointment, Dr. Yost will take molds of your teeth and file your adjacent teeth to make them suitable for crowns. Then on your second visit, Dr. Yost will place and complete the bridge.
- Short Recovery Time: Bridges should feel just as comfortable as real teeth and should be fine as soon as the anaesthetic from the procedure wears off.
- Preventing Bone Loss: When a tooth or teeth are lost, the uncovered bone is no longer stimulated by the force of biting and chewing which can lead to the jawbone weakening over time, and eventual bone loss. Replacing the missing tooth/teeth with a dental bridge will prevent that.
- Preventing Misalignment: Another common side effect of tooth loss is a misalignment as adjacent teeth move to fill the gap. The bridge instead fills that gap thus preventing the teeth from moving out of alignment.
- Easy to Maintain: As long as a good dental care routine is followed including regular checkups with Dr. Yost, the dental bridge should be easy to maintain and perform like normal teeth.
Dental bridges can be a long term solution to missing teeth. The normal span for most bridges is between 5-15 years, but good maintenance can increase that time frame.
Dental Bridge FAQs: What to Expect
- Dental Bridges Not Permanent: Dental bridges can last between 5-15 years, but they are not permanent. The bridge will likely need to be replaced every every 10-15 years to maintain the same look and function. Replacing your bridge also prevents wear and tear from damaging the teeth beneath the crowns.
- Adjacent Teeth will be Filed: Before any dental bridge is completed, Dr. Yost will file down the adjacent teeth on either side of the gap so crowns can be placed. Once that is done, those teeth will always require a crown bonded to them for protection.
- Flossing Difficulties: Along with brushing teeth daily, flossing is highly recommended to help maintain oral health and a bright smile. Maintaining dental bridges is not hard, but flossing around the bridge can be tougher than before the procedure. Since dental bridges are not rooted in the gums like dental implants, plaque can develop between the underside of the bridge and your gums. There are techniques and tools to use to keep that under control.
Dr. Yost holds a comprehensive consultation with every patient, works with them to develop a customized treatment plan and to explain the dental bridge process and maintenance.
Please contact us to get started toward restoring your smile and oral health today.
