Dental bridges can be a great way to restore oral health and confidence for many people. If you’re considering getting a dental bridge, it’s essential to understand their benefits and how they work.
Let’s explore the benefits of dental bridges and how they can improve your oral health.
What Is the Process for Dental Bridge Treatment?
First Visit: Consultation and Assessment
Your dentist will assess your mouth to determine if bridges are the right restoration option. Before recommending a dental bridge, they may take X-rays and study your teeth, gums, and other structures.
Second Visit: Preparation and Impression
Similar to dental implants, bridges need an abutment to secure the prosthetic. These are healthy natural teeth adjacent to each side of the gap. The abutment teeth will be prepared to support the bridge by reshaping and removing some enamel. Then an impression of your teeth is taken using a putty-like material or special scanner. This impression creates custom models of your mouth, so the bridge fits properly.
Dental lab technicians make the custom bridge using either porcelain fused to metal, all-metal or all-ceramic materials. When finished, they’re sent back to your dentist, who will check their fit and adjust accordingly if needed.
Third Visit: Final Cementation
On the next visit, your dentist will attach the bridge to abutment teeth with dental cement. Once it is securely in place, they may suggest minor bite adjustments if necessary, so chewing and speaking are not affected.
Dental bridges can last many years with proper oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice daily and flossing once a day before bedtime.
Regular dental visits help avoid potential problems with your bridge. Your dentist can also prevent further damage from occurring.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
- Dental bridges help restore the function of your teeth.
If you are missing one or more teeth, it can be challenging to eat and speak. Dental bridges can help restore the function of your teeth by filling the gaps left behind by missing teeth. - Dental bridges can improve the appearance of your smile.
Missing teeth can cause your smile to look uneven and can make you feel self-conscious. - Dental bridges help prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of place.
When teeth are lost, the remaining teeth can shift towards the gap. This can cause misalignment and bite problems. Dental bridges can help prevent by replacing the lost tooth. - Dental bridges help support your cheeks and lips.
When teeth are missing, the cheeks and lips can become sunken in due to a lack of support. Dental bridges help provide this support and help you look younger. - Dental bridges are a long-term restorative dentistry treatment for tooth loss.
They can last you over ten years with proper tooth care and maintenance.
How Do Dental Bridges Compare to Other Tooth Replacement Options, Such as Dentures and Implants?
Regarding tooth replacement options, dental bridges, dentures, and implants are three of the most popular. But how do they compare?
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a form of prosthetic teeth that use an abutment or neighbouring teeth for support. Bridges involve placing one or more false teeth to fill the gap left by missing teeth.
The false teeth are held in place by two dental crowns on either side of them, which are then bonded to the abutment teeth. Bridges provide stability and strength. They prevent the shifting of remaining natural teeth and can even improve chewing and speaking functions.
Dentures
Unlike bridges, dentures are removable prosthetics that replace several missing or damaged teeth at once. They consist of a base custom-made to fit over your gums and artificial teeth attached to the base.
Dentures rely on the gums and remaining teeth for support. They can be removed for cleaning purposes. These prosthetics fill in significant gaps caused by lost or extracted teeth and help restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile.
Dental Implants
Implants are replacements for missing roots that act as anchors for artificial “false” teeth. Titanium posts replicate your natural tooth root structure and provide a secure foundation for tooth replacement crowns, bridges and other appliances.
Implants can restore single or multiple missing teeth without compromising surrounding healthy structures. They are one of the most durable and long-lasting tooth replacement options.
Comparing these three tooth restoration options comes down to individual needs and preferences. Discuss all your options with an experienced dentist before deciding which treatment is suitable for you.
Schedule a consultation with your dentist at Byford Smiles to discuss the right dental restoration option.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
This all depends on the type of bridge you choose. Some bridges last longer than others.
- Traditional Bridge.
You can expect a traditional dental bridge to last up to 10 years with proper care.
- Temporary Bridge.
Temporary bridges can last up to 6 months with proper maintenance. - Cantilever Bridge.
The cantilever bridge type can last 5 to 7 years if you care for them properly. - Implant-Supported Bridge.
An implant-supported bridge has a lifespan of 20 years or longer if maintained. - Resin-Bonded Bridge.
When done right, you can expect your bridge to be in good condition for 5-10 years.
Can Dental Bridges Be Adjusted or Replaced if Needed?
Dental bridges are crafted with your future in mind. Adjustments and replacements are possible if needed.
If the bridge feels too tight or loose or starts to feel uncomfortable, it may be time for an adjustment. When this happens, please don’t wait for things to get worse. Schedule an appointment with your dentist at Byford Dental to maintain the quality of life your dental bridges have provided for you.
Can Dental Bridges Cause Any Side Effects or Complications?
Dental bridges are an effective and time-honoured way to restore a missing tooth with minimal discomfort. Dental bridges can be securely positioned without complication with proper care and maintenance over the years. That being said, like any surgical procedure, complications can arise.
It is essential to discuss possible side effects or risks in advance with your dentist so you are aware of any factors that may affect your decision-making and recovery.
Final Thoughts
Compared to other restorative treatments, a dental bridge is cost-effective and much less invasive than surgery. This versatile restorative option offers tooth loss relief thanks to its functional abilities, durability, and natural look.
If you’re considering replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge, we strongly urge you to speak to your dentist first. They’ll discuss your options with you and help narrow down the right one for meeting your needs.
Contact your dentist today if you’re interested in getting started on your dental bridge treatment!
Frequently Asked Questions
Depending on the type of bridge and the material, you could spend anywhere between $1800 to $5000 for this dental procedure.
It’s worth considering all available options before choosing which bridging process works for you and is within your budget.
Healthy funds cover a wide range of services, including dental bridges. However, they may not cover the full cost of treatment. We suggest contacting your health fund provider to see how much of the cost they will subsidise.
- Traditional Dental Bridge. These are the most common types of bridges. They’re made of metal fused to porcelain, metal or ceramic and are attached to your nearby teeth to stay in place.
- Temporary Bridge. Temporary bridges protect your teeth until your permanent bridge is ready for placement.
- Cantilever Bridge. This dental bridge relies on a single tooth (the cantilever) or a metal framework to anchor it to adjacent teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge. An implant-supported bridge is a long-term solution to tooth loss.
- Resin-Bonded Bridge. This dental bridge is composed of an artificial tooth with wing extensions bonded to neighbouring teeth.
- Regular dental checkups. It’s essential to visit your dentist as they can check for any problems with your bridge and if it’s still in good shape. Additionally, your dentist can clean your bridge and remove any plaque or tartar buildup to ensure you have healthy teeth.
- Good oral hygiene. Healthy teeth are the key to caring for your dental bridges. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash. Brushing and flossing around your dental bridge are crucial, as food and bacteria can get trapped underneath it.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods. These types of food can damage your dental bridge, cause the false tooth to lose, or even completely break off. Cut them into smaller pieces if you eat hard foods, making them easier to chew. Stick to soft foods for the first few days after your dental bridge procedure.
- See your dentist if there are problems. See your dentist immediately if you notice any issues with your dental bridge, such as pain or discomfort. They’ll be able to determine the cause of the problem and provide you with the necessary treatment.
