Dental Bridges: What Are They And Are They An Ideal Solution For Missing Teeth?

Dental Bridges: What Are They And Are They An Ideal Solution For Missing Teeth?

Sep 07, 2021

Missing teeth pose numerous problems to your dental health. Apart from affecting your appearance, the gaps cause an uneven distribution of chewing and biting pressure. Also, they can cause bone atrophy, which is the reduction of bone density. This will eventually cause the dental structure to weaken.

Replacing your missing teeth is important to preserving your bone density, and there are several options you can choose from, like bridges.

Dental bridges near you are an ideal solution if you are looking for a non-invasive procedure.

What Are Bridges?

Dental bridges are false teeth that bridge the gap caused by the lost teeth. They come in different types like:

  • Traditional bridges
    These are the conventional and the most used bridges that feature pontics (false teeth) suspended by two dental crowns. These crowns are fixed on your teeth on either side of the gap. You need to have healthy teeth for the bridges to be fixed.
  • Cantilever bridges
    Cantilever bridges are a slight modification of the traditional ones as they use one crown instead of two. These bridges are used when you have teeth on only one side of the gaps. Because of this feature, the bridges are not ideal for the back teeth. The uneven distribution of the bite force may cause dental problems later.
  • Maryland bridges
    These bridges are also similar to the conventional ones expect they use a framework made of porcelain or metals instead of dental crowns.

All these types are fixed, but you can get removable dental bridges, that can be taken out and cleaned. A top dentist near you will first examine your teeth to determine the best kind of bridge.

How Are the Bridges Fixed?

The process of getting dental bridges in Jamaica Plain is done in two dental visits:

  • First dental visit
    The dental process begins with an assessment to determine the type of bridges that you need. Our dentist in Jamaica Plain may do an x-ray to check the condition of the bone. The supporting teeth are then reshaped to make room for the bridges.

The dentist Roslindale will trim the teeth depending on the thickness of the bridges needed. Next, he will take a mold of the reshaped teeth to make the permanent bridges. It can take a few weeks to get the bridges, so the dentist will cover the teeth with temporary bridges to protect them from sensitivity.

  • Second dental visit
    This visit is scheduled three to four weeks after the first visit, and the dentist will remove the temporary bridges, clean the teeth, and examine the bridges for the correct fit. Next, he will use a block of cement to hold the bridges in place and harden them with laser light. The excess cement is removed, and the teeth polished for an attractive look.

What Can You Expect After the Bridges Are Fixed?

There will be a transition period after the bridges are fixed because the gums need a little time to get used to the bridges. Your speech will be slightly affected when they are first fixed, but this will clear after a while.

Does a Dental Bridge Stop Bone Loss?

No, the bridges do not stop the bone loss; they will slow it down. This is because the bridges only ‘bridge’ or cover the missing teeth. Dental implants are more effective in stopping bone loss than bridges.

Do The Bridges Need Replacing?

The dental bridges can last for many years, at least 15, but eventually, they will need replacing because of wear and tear. Poor oral hygiene and habits will also affect the durability of the bridges, and you may need a replacement.

It is important to care for the bridges by having high standards of hygiene. Additionally, avoid the over consumption of staining foods like wine and coffee that can cause the bridges to stain and discolor. Do not use your teeth as tools or bite hard objects.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Pondside Dental Associates for more information about dental bridges and how they are fixed.

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