What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge at cherrywood dental care is used to replace a tooth or multiple teeth that have been extracted or are otherwise missing. A bridge is a fixed, dental prosthesis which means that it is cemented into your mouth and cannot be removed except by a Dentist.
Bridges are constructed with crowns attached to a fake tooth. The crowns are placed over the neighboring teeth and the fake tooth, or pontic, floats between them but extends to the gums so that it appears to be a regular tooth.
Why should I get a dental bridge?
It is important to replace missing teeth to restore not only your smile but the form and function of your mouth. Dental bridges can:
- Keep remaining teeth from shifting into the gap of missing teeth
- Help keep your bite even
- Give you the ability to chew and speak properly
- Maintain facial structure
They are a great option if you and your Dentist feel that dental implants are not right for you.
Types of Dental Bridges
- Traditional bridges: This is the most common type of bridge and use a crown on either side of the gap to hold the pontic in place. They can be made with porcelain, ceramic, or porcelain fused to metal.
- Cantilever bridges: If you are missing a tooth in the back of your mouth and there are healthy teeth on only one side of the gap, a cantilever bridge can be used. They are not as secure as other bridges and can cause too much pressure to be applied onto the crowned tooth, eventually causing damage to the previously healthy tooth.
- Maryland bridges: Instead of using crowns on the abutment teeth, a Maryland bridge uses a framework to hold a pontic tooth in place. The framework is still attached to the neighboring teeth but only attaches to the back of them instead of covering the entire tooth like a traditional bridge.
- Implant bridges: These are the most durable option but will be a bit more costly and not everyone is a candidate. If you are a candidate, implants will be placed and the crowns are placed over the implants and can still use a pontic where needed.
How long do dental bridges last?
A dental bridge can last anywhere from five to fifteen years. Though, bridges do have the potential to last decades with proper care and good oral hygiene. You may also consider getting a nightguard to protect your bridge and teeth from nightly clenching and grinding.
Caring For Your Dental Bridge
Dental work is often an investment so to keep your mouth healthy and get the most out of your investment, it is very important to maintain good home care and regular dental cleanings with your dental office. Your Dentist and dental hygienist will teach you how to clean around and under your dental bridge. If your bridge ever becomes loose or falls out, get to your Dentist as soon as possible to have it recemented before any of your teeth shift to a position that your bridge no longer fits.
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