When you’re missing a tooth, there are so many tooth replacement options for you to choose from. Every patient is different. Some patients may be candidates for dental implants, a more invasive surgical procedure. Sometimes dentures may work better, especially if a patient is missing multiple teeth. Other times, patients may be better suited for crowns and a bridge. Natural-looking, quick, and painless, crowns and a dental bridge are quickly becoming one of our most popular treatment options.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by using three crowns splinted together. Sometimes a bridge can be used to replace several teeth in a row. During a dental bridge procedure, we’ll add crowns to the teeth adjacent to your missing tooth. Then, we “bridge” this gap by connecting the crowns to a false tooth. A bridge is permanent and secured to your surrounding teeth.
A dental bridge is a perfect solution for someone who has lost one tooth and now has a gap in their smile, or for someone who has lost teeth to damage or injury. Practically anyone is a candidate for a dental bridge, as long as the surrounding teeth are healthy and strong enough to support the bridge. As a result, sometimes someone with extensive tooth decay or tooth loss, where there are not enough healthy anchor teeth to support the bridge, may be better suited for a treatment like implants or dentures.
How Long Does a Dental Bridge Take?
A dental bridge procedure usually takes at least two visits. During your first visit, we’ll take impressions. We use Primescan, a digital impression machine, which means more comfort and less “goop!” You’ll be sent home with a temporary bridge.
During your second visit, we’ll cement the crowns and bridge. We make our crowns in-house with our state-of-the-art milling machine. This gives us complete control over the shape, size, and color of your crowns. After all, your smile is uniquely your own, so we take great care in customizing your crowns and bridge.
What Are the Benefits of a Dental Bridge?
- The crowns and bridge look just like your natural teeth.
- A dental bridge procedure takes less time than dental implant surgery.
- You’ll be able to chew more efficiently and get back to eating the foods you love.
- Bridges have a snugger fit than some conventional, removable dentures.
- This dental procedure is ideal for patients who may not be candidates for dental implants due to bone loss.
- With a fuller smile, speaking and enunciation become easier.
- Your bite is preserved from further complications that arise when teeth drift out of position.
How Do I Care for My Dental Bridge?
Caring for your dental bridge is no different than caring for your real teeth! It’s especially important to take care of the anchor teeth supporting the bridge. If they start to decay, you may face the risk of complications.
As a result, brush at least two times per day and don’t forget to floss. While your bridge may look like three separate teeth, there is no space between them. This means you must use a proxabrush in place of floss so you can clean the space beneath your bridge. You should also watch what you eat. Stay away from hard food like nuts, sticky foods, or sugary sodas.
Finally, make sure you keep up with regular check-ins with your dentist so they can spot any decay or damage early. And of course, if you ever have questions or concerns, our team at DICE Dental is only a phone call away.
If you’re interested in learning more about how dental bridges work and how they can transform your smile, contact us today for an appointment. We’re located only minutes from Philadelphia and Wilmington.