One way of filling in the spaces in your smile, whether caused by missing teeth and/or natural large spaces is the implementation of advanced, all-porcelain bridges, as well as traditional porcelain-metal bridges Filling the spaces has the added benefit of keeping the surrounding teeth of an open space from drifting.
What Is A Bridge And When Are They Used?
If a patient is only missing one or more teeth, it may be customary for SoftTouch Dentistry to recommend dental bridges to close the gap created by the missing teeth. Dental bridges consist of two crowns on both ends of the bridge called abutments that function as anchors to hold the bridge in place. In between the crowns are the artificial teeth which will complete the bridge.
Bridges are important for maintaining overall dental health. If one tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth may shift or change position potentially causing damage or decay. By installing a bridge, Dr. Bidabadi ensures a healthy, and aligned smile despite a missing tooth.
What Materials Are Bridges Made Of?
Bridges fill the gaps in your teeth by replacing the missing ones with either all-porcelain material, or the combination of traditional porcelain and metal materials or other advanced options.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Dental Bridges?
People who are good candidates for a dental bridge have one to three consecutive missing teeth. However, they also have healthy teeth on either side of their missing teeth, with strong jawbone density, creating a solid foundation for their bridge.
Lastly, the best candidates for a dental bridge have good oral and overall health and are free of gum disease. Those with gum disease will need treatment before moving forward with a dental bridge.
How Long Will My Dental Bridge Last?
Patients who properly care for and maintain their dental bridge find they last for ten to 15 years or even longer.
How Long Will It Take to Get Used to My Dental Bridge?
Any soreness, heightened sensitivity, or awkwardness you may experience as you adjust to your new dental bridge should dissipate within about two weeks after your procedure. During this time, it’s best to avoid very hot or cold foods. Patients also may benefit from using toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth.
What Is the Recovery and Aftercare for the Dental Bridge Process?
The recovery after placing a traditional dental bridge is not extensive at all. Most patients can resume almost all normall functions and activities immediately. However, there are a few typical adjustments patients with new dental bridges may experience.
Patients may experience temperature sensitivity and pressure from biting and chewing. These reactions are due to the small amount of enamel removed before placing a crown and tend to resolve on their own within about three weeks.
As you recover from your dental bridge placement, it’s recommended that you avoid eating hard or crunchy foods and refrain from biting non-food items, such as using your teeth as a tool. In addition, to reduce discomfort, you may want to use a straw when consuming hot or cold beverages until the sensitivity subsides.
How Do I Maintain and Care for My Dental Bridges?
Your dental bridge benefits from the same oral health care that your natural teeth need. To ensure your dental bridge lasts for years, we advise avoiding particularly hard or sticky foods that can dislodge or damage your bridge, brushing twice a day, and avoiding tobacco products.
Additionally, patients should floss regularly, using a floss threader to clean underneath your bridge. If you experience any damage to your bridge, schedule an appointment with us immediately.
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums are critical for your dental bridge’s longevity. Twice a year dental visits for cleaning and checking your new device will help to ensure that it lasts for years to come.
What Result Can I Expect From A Dental Bridge?
Once your dental bridges are in place, they restore the appearance and function of your teeth and you can go about your day to day activities. You may not notice the bridge, and the shape of your face and your jaw will not change. Dental bridges can also improve the overall speech function and decrease the slurring sometimes caused by missing teeth.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Dental Bridges?
One should always fill in the place of missing tooth and Bridge is one way of addressing that. Without a dental bridge your jaw line or gums may suffer, speech may become slurred and other healthy teeth may shift or become damaged. Bridges are one of ways of maintaining overall dental health.
For the best possible results, it is ideal to have your dental bridge made soon after you lose your teeth. If done properly, dental bridges may provide exactly the same look and feel of your natural tooth.
Schedule a Consultation
Schedule an appointment to learn more about Dental Bridges and other restorative treatments available at Soft-Touch Dentistry. We have offices located in Brighton and Newton, MA.
