5 Things You Should Know Before Getting A Dental Bridge

5 things you should know before getting a dental bridge

If you have a missing tooth, a dental bridge is one way you can bridge the gap in your smile. Made up of a crown connected to a fake tooth or teeth, a dental bridge has many benefits. There are a few important things you should consider before you get a dental bridge.

1. There are different types of dental bridges

If you need a dental bridge, your dentist will explore a range of options that are right for you. There are four types of dental bridges:

• Traditional
• Cantilever
• Maryland
• Implant-supported

Traditional dental bridge

A traditional bridge consists of a false tooth held in place by two dental crowns on either side. This is the most popular type of dental bridge. The crowns are fitted onto your natural teeth and it's important that these teeth are in good condition.

Cantilever dental bridge

A cantilever bridge is held in place by only one abutment tooth. This is sometimes used when there is only one natural tooth next to the tooth gap. Like a traditional dental bridge, a dental crown is attached to the abutment tooth.

Maryland dental bridge

A Maryland dental bridge is the most similar to a traditional bridge. It still requires two natural teeth either side of the tooth gap. Rather than being secured in place by two crowns, the framework of the bridge is bonded to the back of your abutment teeth. 

Implant-supported bridge

An implant-supported bridge uses a dental implant as the support rather than a dental crown or bonded framework. Implants are often used if your natural teeth aren’t strong enough to support a bridge. It can take three to six months to heal from dental implant surgery. Once your implants are fully integrated into the jaw your dentist can fit you with a dental bridge. 

2. Dental bridges are not a permanent solution

On average a dental bridge can last around five to ten years. Although, with proper care they might even last a little bit longer. You might hear a dentist refer to a dental bridge as a ‘permanent bridge.’ This just means that a bridge can only be removed by a dentist. 

It's likely that you’ll need to replace your dental bridge at some point in the future. If you’re interested in a longer-lasting dental solution, a dental implant could be a better option.

3. You'll need to care for your dental bridge to avoid tooth decay

There are pros and cons to getting a dental bridge. While a dental bridge prevents your neighbouring teeth from moving into the gap, there is a slightly higher risk of tooth decay than with a dental implant. A dental bridge sits on the gumline and if your bridge isn’t fitted correctly, bacteria can build up beneath the gums and your mouth. 

If you’ve lost your natural tooth from decay, you’ll need to be better at brushing and flossing to prevent tooth decay. Ways of caring for your dental bridge include:

• Brushing and flossing daily
• Using a non-abrasive toothpaste
• Avoiding hard and chewy foods
• Avoiding chewing on objects
• Visiting your dentist regularly

4. You can replace multiple teeth with a dental bridge

A dental bridge can be used to replace more than just one missing tooth in your smile. If you are missing multiple teeth in a row, a dental bridge can span across one, two or three teeth in a gap and might be a better option than getting multiple dental implants. 

To get a dental bridge you’ll need a healthy natural tooth or teeth on at least one side of your tooth gap.

5. They look and function just like regular teeth

A gap in your smile can affect the way you eat and speak and even impact how often you smile. A dental bridge looks and functions just like a natural tooth would. It can make chewing easier and fix any speech impediments caused by the gap in your smile. 

Dental bridges look just like your natural teeth.  Your dentist can match the colour of your crown and the pontic (fake tooth) to your surrounding teeth making sure it blends in seamlessly with your smile. 

How to get started with a dental bridge

If you have a gap in your smile, a dental bridge can prevent your neighbouring teeth from shifting out of place and improve your overall oral health. Get started by booking an initial appointment at Gentle Dental. At your consultation, your dentist will examine your mouth and talk through whether a dental bridge is right for you.