Everything About Dental Bridges You Should Know

Dental bridges are used to fill in the gap between a tooth and the other. Basically, there is a fake tooth placed between two hollowed teeth. The hollowed teeth are crowns that are used to create steady support for these fake teeth.

Types of tooth bridges

There are five main types of dental bridges that are available.

1.     Traditional Dental bridges

These are the most commonly used types of bridges. It may use one or more than one fake tooth or pontic. The dental bridges are glued to their place with the help of crowns or also called as an abutment. Traditional dental bridges are a great option if there are still natural teeth on both sides.

2.     Cantilever bridges

Another form of dental bridges is called cantilever bridges. The difference between a standard dental bridge and cantilever bridges is simple. Cantilever bridges are supported by a crown only on one side, while a traditional bridge is supported on both sides. Hence, cantilever bridges are good to use if you have natural teeth on only one side.

3.     Maryland bridges

This type of dental bridge is fastened with the help of a metal or porcelain framework. Uniquely, it is attached at the back of the teeth that are adjacent to the missing area. Since they do not require crowns for the placement procedure, the adjacent teeth to the fake ones do not really need to be filled.

4.     Implant-supported bridges

This is yet another type of a tooth bridge. An interesting feature about implant-supported dental bridges is that they are not supported by any crowns or framework. Instead, a dental implant is inserted in the bone to support the bridge. Usually, one dental implant is enough to hold one tooth in place. A series of implants can keep the bridge intact.

5.     Composite bridges

Composite bridges can be used when you have two or more missing teeth. To fill the space, a plastic tooth filling material is placed right at the spot. If this filling needs some more strength or support, a ribbon is used. A ribbon is a piece of wire or a ribbon that is fixed over the composite bridge.

What is the need for dental bridges?

Dental bridges have plenty of benefits. 

Fills in missing teeth

If you have lost your teeth, your mouth may look awkward with those unnecessary gaps. So, to fill in the missing space, a dental bridge can be used to replace the missing teeth. This method uses a prosthetic tooth that takes the place of the teeth that are missing. It can be attached for one or more teeth.

Allows you to chew properly

With the missing teeth, chewing food properly could become a challenge, especially if it’s the molar or premolars that are missing. Thus, using dental bridges can let you chew your food without difficulty. As a result, you can enjoy your meals again after the restoration.

Enhances your smile

Any missing teeth can seriously affect the appeal of your smile. Showing happiness may become unattractive due to the visibility of the missing space. Thus, if you choose to get a dental bridge, you will be able to achieve a natural, beautiful smile.

Your mouth adjusts quickly to the change 

Due to how dental bridges are small and have very little weight, they feel comfortable in the mouth. Once they are attached to the gums, they do not behave any differently than how a natural tooth would. Consequently, your mouth can quickly get used to these tooth bridges.

Budget-friendly

Dental bridges are not very costly to get. Even if you are tight on budget, you can still afford to get a dental bridge for your mouth. You should talk to a dentist about the payment plans being offered.

Differences between dental bridges and dental implant

These are the two different methods that are used to fill in missing teeth. However, certain points differentiate them from one another.

Dental bridges can be placed where they are needed with the help of dental crowns and cementation. However, dental implants do require surgery for the placement of teeth. Along with this, the placement of dental bridges requires only two or three visits, while a tooth implant needs more than six months. The bridges are less painful as compared to the implants.  

On the other hand, dental implants can last for a lifetime. However, dental bridges need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. With this, the implants also stop the jawbone from degrading (which could lead to the loss of facial bones). Thus, dental implants can result in healthy gums.

Tips in taking care of dental bridges

Your dental bridges do need a certain amount of attention to last long. Here are a few things that you can do to make sure you do not damage the replacement.

• Avoid extreme temperature foods

After getting the dental bridge procedure done, you have to be careful about the food you consume as it can have painful effects in your mouth. This means that you have to avoid extremely hot as well as cold foods. It’s just for a few days after the dental procedure has been completed.

• Brush and floss regularly

Brushing is a necessary step for oral care. So, it is recommended that you properly brush your teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes. Moreover, flossing between the teeth will remove any bacteria that might buildup, preventing plaque formation. Thus, your dental bridges can stay protected.

• Have checkups with your dentist

Visit your Thornhill dentist as scheduled to make sure that no problems occur with the dental bridges. Also, try to have your teeth cleaned by the dentist during each visit.