Dental bridges may not always be appropriate for everyone, so it’s essential to work with a dentist if you have any questions about what would best suit your needs and lifestyle. It is always a good idea to stay informed.
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. They can be made of metal, porcelain, or other materials, and they stay in place by anchoring to the two adjacent teeth on either side of the space.
Suppose you’re concerned about missing teeth due to the development of gum disease, injury, or other reasons. The information here will tell you about different types of bridges, how long they last, and what materials are typically used in them.
What Are The Types of Dental Bridges?
- Traditional Fixed bridge — The traditional fixed bridge is an excellent choice for those who want their teeth and jawline to stay in place. This type of dental bridge has two or more crowns that connect. This will hold the bridge firmly in place minimizing shifting, or popping when talking. Dentists typically use bridges made of metal, but there’s also porcelain fused, which makes this even more substantial.
- Cantilever bridge — A cantilever bridge is an excellent choice for people with teeth on only one side of the gap of a natural tooth. It can also work well if you have a missing or broken tooth since they don’t require fillings in any other area to provide support.
- Implant-supported bridge — The procedure to install this consists of two stages: first, you will have the pontics — the partials nearest your bone — embedded into your jawbone while also securing them in place with stainless steel plates and ligatures; then after they’ll attach another set onto each side, so there are no gaps whatsoever.
How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?
A dental bridge can last for decades when adequately taken care of. If you have a metal-based bridge, it may need to be replaced every decade or so because the high mineral content in your saliva causes corrosion and rusting over time. Porcelain bridges tend not to require replacement as often, but they also don’t withstand the same amount of wear and tear as metal bridges. Because they are made of ceramic, porcelain dental bridges, they don’t corrode or rust as metal bridges do.
Do Dental Bridges Hurt?
The process is very similar to getting an implant or permanent crown and should be virtually pain-free. You will probably experience some discomfort if any nerves were left behind after your original teeth were removed. The dentist may prescribe pain medication for you before your procedure if they think it’s necessary. Pain medication is very effective, and you will be able to feel comfortable throughout your treatment. The pain will last only a few days afterward, but you may experience some discomfort for up to two weeks. You should not worry about the pain because it is temporary, and you will be able to eat normally, even on your bad days.
Dental Bridge Procedure: How It Works
A dental bridge procedure begins with preparing each side of the tooth by removing the excess enamel and shaping them to fit together perfectly. This procedure is done by either grinding down the teeth or using a drill.
The dentist will then take impressions of your mouth and create temporary crowns that are used to attach two metal brackets onto each tooth, where they’ll be covered with flossing material. The adhesive is applied between them so it can secure the bridge in place. After this has been done, they will be ready for you to wear. It is vital that dental bridges are taken care of in the same way as your natural teeth, so proper brushing and flossing must be done daily with a particular brush head designed specifically for these types of devices.
Please note that you cannot soak or eat anything strenuous such as candy, peanuts, or popcorn. The procedure usually takes two to three visits, but the final result can last many years. A dentist typically does a dental bridge procedure. The process for getting a dental bridge will vary depending on the type of bridge you need and the extent of your tooth loss. You may also require additional treatments like root canal therapy if any of your natural teeth are damaged or decayed.
How Many Times Can a Dental Bridge be Replaced?
You can replace your dental bridge as many times as you need to if the one you have isn’t doing its job correctly. The first replacement will likely be the most expensive because it involves removing and replacing all the old bridge’s components, such as porcelain or metal. Your dentist may recommend getting a dental implant after the first replacement if your mouth can’t support another bridge. This will be necessary in some cases, but not all of them.
If you take good care of your dental bridge and replace it as needed, you may only need one or two replacements over your entire lifetime. For some people, the bridge may need to be replaced more often. Because some people are more active than others and their bridges come into contact with different food particles. Some bridges can also become loose or wobbly, which is dangerous because it could make you choke on your teeth if they shift too much while you’re eating something like popcorn.
The replacement process is much easier than the original procedure, so you shouldn’t worry about it. It will only take a few hours, and your dentist will be able to make it feel like the original bridge.
What Are The Advantages of Dental Bridges?
For one thing, they are more cost-effective than dental implants because you don’t need a surgical procedure to get them placed in your mouth. They also take less time to put on and do not require adhesives or special cleaning afterward.
Another benefit of using a bridge is that your jaw and facial muscles will not be sore after eating. Dental bridges also make it easier to speak clearly. Another advantage of dental bridges is that they can last a long time. Dental bridges made out of porcelain and gold will rarely need to be replaced, but those made from metal may require replacement every five years or so. Bridges are also comfortable to wear because they do not create any pressure points in the mouth.
What Can Go Wrong with a Dental Bridge?
One of the most common is decay underneath a dental bridge when bacteria builds up and poisons your mouth. The best way to avoid this problem is by brushing your teeth regularly with an antibacterial toothpaste and flossing every day. Another problem is the development of gum disease. This is also very easy to prevent with regular brushing and flossing, but it can become a severe problem if you don’t take care of your teeth at home. Gum disease has been linked to heart problems because it increases inflammation in your body and blood flow issues throughout your cardiovascular system.
Furthermore, if you have a metal dental bridge, it can develop corrosion and rust over time. This is especially likely if your saliva has higher levels of minerals than average because the bridge will come into more contact with the dental bridge. Dental bridges made out of alloys can also cause allergies or reactions in people who are sensitive to the metal. These kinds of bridges can be replaced with something else if you have any concerns about this before your procedure. Porcelain dental bridges do not corrode and rust as quickly because they are made out of ceramic. They are also not as likely to suffer from decay under them, but this is still possible if you don’t brush your teeth properly. Gold dental bridges don’t rust, but they are more likely to suffer from decay under them than porcelain ones.
