If you have a few teeth missing, know that you are not alone. According to the American Dental Association, an average American adult has at least 3 decayed or missing teeth. When tooth loss occurs, we at Roy C. Blake III, DDS, MSD, Maxillofacial Prosthodontist may recommend you several restorative dentistry options, including placement of dental bridges.
A dental bridge involves covering the teeth on both sides of the space with dental crowns and suspending an artificial tooth or pontic between them to fill the gap.
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Types Of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges have many benefits for people who have lost their teeth due to age, disease, or injury.
There are four types of bridges that are commonly recommended by Dr. Roy Blake:
| • | Traditional Bridge: This is the most common type of dental bridge and is made of porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. These bridges involve one or more pontics being held in place by two natural teeth fitted with crowns and they are even durable enough to be used as a replacement for lost molars. |
| • | Cantilever Bridge: A cantilever bridge is used when a person only has teeth to anchor the bridge from one side. Therefore, the tooth on a single side is prepared to accommodate a crown and support the bridge. However, due to their cantilever style, these bridges may result in loosened crown or fractured teeth. |
| • | Maryland Bonded Bridge: Maryland bridges are resin bonded bridges which do not need dental crowns to be held in place. Instead, they consist of porcelain teeth in a metal framework with wings attached that can be bonded to your natural teeth. However, they are not as durable as traditional bridges. |
| • | Implant-Retained Bridge: The final type of bridge is the most durable and secure option, but also the most costly, and that is because this type of bridge is permanently secured to your jawbone using dental implants. |
Dental Bridge Placement Procedure
At Roy C. Blake III, DDS, MSD, Maxillofacial Prosthodontist, a dental bridge placement procedure may be completed in multiple sessions.
In the first session, we will prepare your abutment teeth. This involves filing down the enamel and dentin of your supporting natural teeth so that they can accommodate a dental crown. We will then make impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab so that your bridge can be fabricated. Meanwhile, we will provide you with temporary bridges to wear so that your prepared teeth remain protected as you wait for your permanent bridges.
During your second visit, the temporary bridges will be removed and the permanent bridges will be fitted. Necessary adjustments will be made to ensure the dental bridge fits your mouth comfortably.
You may also need to make a few more visits to us in the following week so that we can ensure your bridge is fitting you properly.
Caring For Your Dental Bridges
Once dental bridges are placed, you must take extra good care of your oral hygiene. A dental bridge can fail if the surrounding teeth or jawbone become weakened or damaged due to dental disease.
Therefore, you need to:
| • | Brush twice a day every day diligently and floss at least once a day. We may also prescribe you a mouth rinse to clean your mouth after meals. |
| • | Make sure you eat a balanced and healthy diet. Avoid smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol as both of these things can compromise your oral health. |
| • | Make sure you do not skip your regular dental appointments. |
Typically, dental bridges can last from 5 to 7 years. But with good oral hygiene, you can increase their lifespan.
Schedule A Consultation For Dental Bridges in Jupiter
Find out if dental bridges in Jupiter are right for you! Call (561) 296-3399 to schedule your consultation appointment today!
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