What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

Smile On Us • January 18, 2021

There are several benefits of dental bridges that you should be familiar with. You can find out more by checking out our guide here..

Problems with missing or damaged teeth can cause you to lose confidence in your smile. Not only this, but they can also prove to be problematic when chewing. Having missing or broken teeth can also cause you to get infections and increase the likelihood of tooth decay.

One of the ways that you can repair your missing or damaged teeth is by having dental bridges fitted.

But, what are some dental bridges advantages and why should you have them?

In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of getting dental bridges as well as what is involved in the procedure.

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is used to quite literally bridge the gap between teeth. When you have a dental bridge it replaces a missing tooth with a new false tooth. This tooth is then bonded to the teeth on either side of the gap.

How Do Dental Bridges Work?

Dental bridges work by having two crowns attached to your existing teeth. These are then bonded to a false tooth which is designed to fill a gap.

Usually, a dental bridge consists of a filler tooth attached to crowns on either side. Where there are missing teeth adjacent to one side of a missing tooth, a cantilever bridge may be used.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

In addition to helping you to regain your smile, dental bridges are designed to address several different oral health issues.

Here are some of the benefits of having a dental bridge fitted:

A dental bridge will restore the look of your smile by hiding any damage that has been done to your teeth
Dental bridges reduce the chances of infections caused by oral hygiene issues surrounding the gap between your teeth
A dental bridge will help to protect the integrity of any existing teeth
Dental bridges prevent your remaining teeth from moving out of line which could bring about serious problems such as periodontal disease
A dental bridge will restore your ability to properly chew and speak

Dental bridges provide a permanent solution to the problem of having teeth missing. Not only this, but the procedure is non-surgical meaning it is more straightforward than options such as dental implants.

How Is the Dental Bridge Procedure Performed?

The procedure for having dental bridges fitted can be carried out quite easily at your dentist’s office. There is no need for any complex surgery and the procedure is relatively straightforward.

The first step involved in having dental bridges is to prepare the supporting teeth. To do this, some of the enamel will be removed to make way for the dental bridge. Following this, impressions will be made of your teeth.

These impressions are made using a plaster mold of your gums and teeth. This will act as a model for your dental bridge. Having impressions made will mean that your bridge will fit into your mouth in an effective way.

Before your dental bridge is made up, the dentist will ensure that the color of your bridge matches your existing teeth.

Once the dental bridge has been made, the dentist will then adjust the bridge to ensure it fits well in your mouth before it is finally cemented into place.

Sometimes, the bridge may be temporarily fixed into position to see how it fits. This may be for a few weeks. Eventually, the bridge will be permanently fitted into the right position.

How Should You Take Care of Your Dental Bridges?

Once you have had your dental bridge fitted, it may take a few days for you to adjust to the changes in your mouth. There may be some soreness in your gums and you may experience a sensitivity to cold and hot drinks and food.

It may take you some time to get used to having a new tooth where there used to be a gap.

All of these things should pass within the first few days of having the dental bridges.

After you have had your bridge permanently fitted into position, you will not be able to remove them. To prevent gum disease and tooth decay you will need to make sure that you clean under the gap in your bridge using interdental brushes or dental floss.

Your dentist will be able to advise you about how to best take care of your dental bridges so that they last for many years to come.

What Are the Alternatives to Having Dental Bridges Fitted?

When it comes to getting missing teeth replaced it is vital that you explore all of your options before deciding on the best option for you. Before you elect to have any work carried out you should talk to your dentist so that you can learn about all of the options available.

Other options available may include:

Full or partial dentures which consist of removable plastic or metal frameworks with false teeth attached
Dental implants that consist of replacement teeth fixed in place to your jawbone using a titanium screw

Dental bridges provide a fixed and permanent solution to the problem of missing teeth. You won’t need to remove or insert your dental bridge as you would need to with dentures.

Unlike with dental implants, there is no need to have your replacement tooth screwed into place. The procedure is a less invasive option.

Make an appointment with your dentist to discuss the different options for replacing missing teeth.

Book Your Appointment Today

If you are interested in learning more about dental bridges or you would like to find out whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure, Smile On Us Dental is here to help.

Our friendly and helpful dentist is here to make your experience as pleasant as possible.

Get in touch today to make an appointment and we’ll put the smile back on your face.

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