What are Dental Bridges and Should You Get Them?

What are Dental Bridges and Should You Get Them?

September 1, 2021

Dental bridges are restorations that can replace your missing teeth. However, the decision to get the bridges depends on the number of teeth missing, dental health, and stability of the dental structure.

When fixed properly, teeth bridges can last for more than a decade. But, before you can get dental bridges near you, it is vital to know what they are, how they are fixed, and if you are eligible to get them.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are false teeth used to replace one or multiple teeth. These restorations use your existing teeth for support, and you need to have healthy teeth.

The bridges come in different types, and a dentist near you will choose the most suitable option based on the location of the missing teeth. The types include:

  • Traditional bridges are usually made of porcelain, which resembles your natural teeth color. They require two healthy teeth located adjacent to the missing tooth/teeth. They are the most commonly used bridges as they are fixed on any tooth regardless of location.
  • Cantilever bridges are almost similar to the traditional ones, but they require only one tooth for support. Because of this feature, the bridges are often fixed on the front teeth.
  • Maryland bridges use two adjacent teeth, but they use a framework of metal or porcelain (instead of crowns) for support.

Your dentist in Culver City, CA, may recommend implant-supported dental bridges if you have sufficient bone density.

Who is Eligible for Dental Bridges?

While dental bridges can benefit most people, you need to meet the eligibility criteria for the dentist to recommend them. Healthy teeth and gums are critical to the success of the implant treatment. Your dental structure also plays a crucial role in the process. This is because the dentist will trim or reshape your teeth to make room. If you have a worn-out teeth structure, the bridges may not be well-supported.

How Do the Bridges Compare to Dental Implants (Dental bridges pros and cons)?

Both dental bridges and implants replace the teeth and are effective. However, unlike the bridges, the implants are surgically fixed on the jaw bone. This offers better support, and they are long-lasting.

However, you require sufficient bone density to have the implants fixed, otherwise, the dentist will recommend other surgical procedures.

Dental bridges are a non-invasive restorative treatment, meaning they are suitable for most people. However, your teeth need reshaping, which is an irreversible process. Another con of the bridges is that it does not stop bone loss, they only slow it down.

What’s The Procedure for Getting the Bridges?

Dental bridges in Culver City, CA procedure require at least two dental visits, and it is done in a few steps. The dentist begins the process with a dental assessment to examine the teeth and jaw support.

Next, he will reshape your teeth to create room for the dental crowns (if the traditional bridges are used). Since the trimmed teeth are sensitive, the dentist will cover the teeth with temporary restorations as the bridges are made.

Lab-crafted bridges take a few weeks, around three to four, to be made.

On the second dental visit, the dentist will fix the permanent bridges with a block of cement. The teeth and gums are first cleaned before fixing the bridges. The dentist will then remove excess cement and polish the teeth.

What Can You Expect After the Procedure?

The bridges need a little bit of transition, and it can take a few days to get used to them. The restorations resemble your teeth in appearance and function and thus do not need any special instructions. Your standard dental hygiene practices will suffice, but avoid taking staining foods like wine and coffee. Once the restorations discolor, the dentist will need to replace them to match the rest of the teeth.

The bridges are durable, but they can still wear out. That is why you need to visit the dentist regularly for an assessment.

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Visit Relate Dental Care for more information about dental bridges and what you can expect.

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