A dental bridge, as the name implies, is a tooth replacement that bridges the gap left by one or more missing teeth. Continue reading this blog to find out more about the dental bridge. A dental bridge is often made up of two or more crowns that hold the bridge to adjacent teeth, with replacement teeth in between. A permanent dental bridge can be composed of porcelain, ceramic, gold, or an alloy of these materials. Permanent dental bridges help to restore a patient’s smile, retain the integrity and shape of their facial and mouth structure, and allow them to chew and eat the same things as previously.
Dental Bridge Advantages
A dental bridge offers numerous advantages, some of which are as follows:
- It improves the appearance of your teeth and your smile
- It restores your ability to correctly chew, eat, and communicate
- It repairs and preserves the shape and appearance of your face
- It keeps the remaining natural teeth from slipping out of place
- It distributes the biting and chewing forces in your mouth equally
Do you have a permanent dental bridge and are curious about how long it will last? You should expect your dental bridges to endure between 5 and 15 years. It is critical to understand that the longevity of your dental bridge is determined by your maintenance culture and oral hygiene practices.
Types of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are classified into four types:
Traditional dental bridge:
This is a form of dental bridge in which the replacement tooth is secured to anchoring crowns that are attached to the surrounding teeth.
Cantilever dental bridge:
This form of dental bridge is utilized when just one natural tooth on the side of the lost tooth is available. That implies the weight of the new tooth will be supported by one adjacent tooth, perhaps weakening it greatly.
Maryland bonded bridges:
A metal framework is required to support the replacement teeth in this form of the dental bridge.
Implant-supported bridges:
Comparable to traditional dental bridges, except instead of relying on neighboring teeth for support, the dental bridge is supported by a dental implant. The dental implant is placed in the jaw, and the dental bridge is secured above the gumline. This form of dental bridge has the added benefit of reducing bone loss.
The conventional dental bridge is the most popular of these choices. The implant-supported bridge is the most powerful choice, whereas the Maryland dental bridge requires little to no tooth preparation but is also the weakest. Furthermore, the material used to construct the dental bridge will have a significant impact on the bridge’s durability and strength. For example, a ceramic dental bridge is the weakest but has the closest similarity to a genuine tooth, whereas a gold bridge is the strongest but more noticeable because it has a very different color tone than natural teeth.
As previously said, a dental bridge cannot endure forever, but it can last for a very long period if the patient takes good care of it and the adjoining teeth. Furthermore, the food followed, oral hygiene practices, and frequency of visits to the finest dentist for the dental bridge would all have a significant part in the dental bridge’s longevity. As a result, it is critical to grasp everything about dental bridge maintenance and care to maintain the finest oral hygiene habits available. Here are some guidelines for maintaining and caring for your permanent dental bridge.
Changes in Diet
Modifying your diet is one approach to care for and maintain your dental bridge. No, this does not imply that you should give up your favorite foods. It only takes more fiber, vegetables, and fruits to get there. Eating these foods will improve and strengthen your natural teeth while also promoting good oral health. Diets high in starch and sugar should be avoided. Premature dental caries can result from this.
Cleaning Your Bridge regularly
To ensure that your bridge lasts as long as possible, clean your teeth at least three times per day to remove any food pieces, especially in the area where the dental bridge contacts your natural teeth. You must also floss at least twice every day. Remove any food fragments that may have become stuck beneath the bridge with a small brush or floss. Brushing and flossing regularly will assist to lessen the likelihood of microorganisms infecting your dental bridge. Furthermore, if your bridge causes you discomfort, schedule a regular visit to the finest dentist for a dental bridge, as this could indicate that a tooth cavity or infection is forming.
Bacterial infection or dental cavity occurs when food fragments become caught between the teeth. Dental floss may be ineffective at removing these pieces. As a result, if the area where the bridge meets the original tooth is not adequately maintained, it may begin to deteriorate. As a result, it is suggested as the most effective approach for cleaning beneath dental bridges, hence prolonging the lifespan of the dental bridges.
Take Away
Following your dental bridge operation, two important elements impact how long your dental bridge will endure – the care and maintenance practices you use on the dental bridge and the care and maintenance practices you use on the adjacent teeth. These procedures will maintain your replacement teeth and natural teeth clear of plaque and will help to prevent dental cavities. Care and upkeep for your dental bridge are critical, and this includes avoiding anything that could damage it, such as eating starchy or hard meals or foods high in sugar. Such items were actually among those that contributed to the missing tooth that necessitated the installation of a dental bridge in the first place.
We hope that you have now gained a clear idea about dental bridges. In case you are looking for the best dental bridge service in Encino, CA, and nearby, book an appointment with Signature Smiles. We are here to help you in the best way possible.