Reasons Why Dental Bridges Are So Beneficial

BY: Dr. Sandeep Sharma
|
Reasons Why Dental Bridges Are So Beneficial

Reasons Why Dental Bridges Are So Beneficial

Dental bridges are one of the ideal options to restore your smile if you are missing several teeth. Bridges have many benefits, both oral health-related and aesthetic-related. In this blog post, Clear Choice Dental will discuss the different benefits of dental bridges and help you decide if this dental treatment is right for you!

What Are Dental Bridges?

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental bridge consists of an artificial tooth supported by crowns placed over adjacent teeth on both sides of a missing tooth. It fills in the gaps left by missing teeth. These are usually made of metal, porcelain, or a combination of the two and are placed on top of natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges are often supported by a metal or porcelain framework.

There are four types of dental bridges: traditional, cantilever, resin-bonded, and Maryland.

  • Traditional or fixed bridges involve creating crowns for the adjacent teeth and attaching a false tooth in the middle.

  • Cantilever bridges resemble traditional bridges but only require a crown on one side of the gap.

  • Maryland or resin bonded bridges involve attaching metal wings to the back of the false tooth and bonding those wings to the neighbouring teeth.

Dental bridges are often made from metal, porcelain, or both. Porcelain bridges are the most popular type because they look more like natural teeth. Metal bridges are typically used  when strength is more important than appearance.

What Are The Benefits of Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges offer several benefits for both your oral health and your appearance. Let’s take a look at some of their key advantages:

Improved Oral Health:
One of the benefits of dental bridges is that they can help you maintain healthy teeth and improve your oral health. The gap left behind when you lose a tooth can cause the surrounding teeth to shift out of place. This can lead to an improper bite and more complications down the road. Dental bridges can help to prevent these problems by filling the gap left by a missing tooth and keeping the surrounding teeth in place.

Improved Aesthetics:
A common reason people choose dental bridges is to improve their appearance. A missing tooth can cause gaps in your smile, which can be difficult to live with. It can also cause your smile to look uneven and can make you self-conscious. Dental bridges can help to restore your smile and give you the confidence you need to show off your pearly whites. These are a great alternative to dentures, especially for patients with only one or two missing teeth.

Improved Speech:
Missing teeth can also cause problems with your speech. This is because gaps in your teeth can affect how you pronounce certain sounds. Bridges can help improve your speech by filling in the gaps, allowing you to speak clearly.

Prevents Jaw Problems:
Because losing a tooth changes your bite, it can affect your jaw muscles and joints. This can lead to pain and discomfort. Dental bridges can help to prevent jaw pain by addressing tooth loss and restoring normal tooth function.

Improved Chewing:
Dental bridges can also help to improve your chewing ability. Missing teeth can make chewing certain foods difficult. A dental bridge can help to fill in the gaps and allow you to eat as you normally would.

Before getting a dental bridge, you should consider the pros and cons of the procedure. This treatment can offer many benefits, but there are also some risks involved. Talk to your dentist about whether a dental bridge is the best option for you.

What Risks Can Come With Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are not without risk, as are all dental operations. These include:

Infection:
If the tooth used to support the bridge becomes infected, it can cause the bridge to fail. Fortunately, your dentist can manage this and prevent it from worsening.

Damage to Surrounding Teeth:
Some removal of tooth structure is necessary to provide space for the crown that will be placed over the abutment teeth. However, when there is too much reduction, it can compromise the structure or cause damage to your healthy teeth.

Allergic Reaction:
There is a small risk of an allergic reaction to the materials used in the dental bridge. This rarely happens, but if you have a known allergy to one of the materials, remember to inform your dentist before the procedure.

Gum Disease:
Because gum disease can destroy the gums and tissues that support your teeth, it can affect the ability of the adjacent teeth to support the dental bridge. When this happens, dental bridge failure is more likely to happen.

Tooth Decay:
Some areas of the dental bridge can trap food and bacteria. When these are not removed, it can lead to tooth decay. That’s why good oral hygiene is a must with dental bridges.

Despite these risks, dental bridges are generally safe and effective for the majority of patients. With proper care and regular dental cleanings, they can last for many years. Talk to your dentist about whether a dental bridge is right for you.

How Can I Prepare To Get Dental Bridges?

If you are considering getting dental bridges, there are a few things you can do to prepare. First, it is important to have a consultation with a dentist to discuss your options and make sure that dental bridges are the right choice for you. During this consultation, your dentist will check the condition of your mouth and teeth to determine if you are a good candidate for bridges. To be eligible, you must have healthy abutment teeth that are capable of supporting your replacement tooth.

If your dentist decides that dental bridges are the best option for you, you should start making changes to improve your oral hygiene. Habits like flossing daily, brushing your teeth twice a day, and using mouthwash can go a long way towards improving your oral health. Keep hard or sticky foods out of your diet, as they can damage your teeth.

We also recommend avoiding smoking, as it can cause gum disease and other oral health problems. If you smoke, it’s highly recommended that you quit before having dental bridges placed to ensure that you get the best possible results.

Finally, it is important to have realistic expectations about the results of the dental bridge process. Your new teeth will look and feel natural, but they will not be as strong as your original teeth. Additionally, it is important to note that dental bridges are not a lifetime solution and will eventually need to be replaced. However, with proper care, your dental bridges can last for many years.

What Are The Steps Of The Dental Bridge Placement Procedure?

The entire process usually takes two dental visits. During the first appointment, your dentist will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel. This creates room for the dental crowns that will be placed on these teeth. Afterwards, your dentist will take  an impression of your mouth in order to obtain the proper size and fit for your dental bridge. Once your dentist has all the required information, they will work with a dental laboratory to create your custom dental bridge.

A temporary bridge will be placed over the prepared teeth to protect them while you wait for your permanent bridge to be ready. There are different types of bridges, so it is important to choose the right one for you. Your dentist can help you decide which type of bridge is suitable for you.

During your second dental appointment, the final dental bridge will be checked for fit and then cemented into place. You may experience some discomfort and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for a short time after the procedure, but this should eventually subside. It is important to practice good oral hygiene and brush and floss your teeth regularly to keep your mouth healthy.

Dental bridges can last many years with proper care. Be sure to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. If you have a removable dental bridge, it is important to remove it daily and clean it thoroughly. With proper care, your dental bridge can give you a beautiful smile that lasts for years to come.

Can It Be Difficult To Eat With Dental Bridges?

Can It Be Difficult To Eat With Dental Bridges?

It is not uncommon for patients to experience some difficulty eating immediately after their dental bridge procedure. This is because your gums and teeth will be tender from the  procedure. Additionally, it may take some time to get used to the feel of your new teeth. However, this is only temporary and will eventually go away.

If you are having difficulty eating, there are a few things that you can do to make it easier. First, cut your food into smaller pieces so that you don’t have to bite down as hard. Additionally, avoid chewy foods and eating hard candy, as this can cause your dental bridge to become loose. We also recommend choosing soft foods during the first few days after your procedure.

Will The Dental Bridge Change The Way I Speak?

In some cases, patients may notice a change in their speech after getting a dental bridge. This is because the dental bridge may alter the way your teeth come together when you speak. However, this is usually only temporary and will go away as you get used to your new teeth.

If you are concerned about how your dental bridge will affect your speech, you can talk to your dentist about it. They will be able to give you tips on proper dental care and help you find ways to adjust to your new teeth.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

Dental bridges can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on how well they are cared for and how much wear and tear your teeth experience. To help your dental bridge last as long as possible, you should brush and floss regularly. You should also see your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings. With a proper dental care routine, you can help your bridges last for years.

Are Dental Bridges Worth It?

Dental bridges are a good investment because they can help you keep your natural teeth healthy. When you lose a tooth, the nearby teeth can begin to shift. This can cause problems with chewing and speaking. Dental bridges can help prevent these problems by replacing the missing tooth with a false tooth, helping to keep your teeth in their proper position.They are also made to resemble your remaining teeth, allowing you to smile with confidence. Because of this, they are a cost-effective treatment option for both your appearance and oral-health.

Final Thoughts

Dental bridges are a great way to improve the look of your smile and maintain a healthy mouth. If you are considering getting a custom-fit dental bridge, get in touch with Clear Choice Dental today! There are many factors that can affect whether or not a dental bridge is right for you, and our team can help you make an informed decision. Schedule an appointment by booking online or by calling our Yokine clinic at (08) 9345 0455 and our Maddington location at (08) 9452 8877. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Cost Of Dental Bridges: Are They Worth It?
Previous

Is The Cost Of Dental Bridges Worth It?

Next

Types of Dental Bridges

Types of Dental Bridges

Related Blogs

_

The Ultimate Guide to Dental Bridge Aftercare

Having a complete set of teeth is essential for a confident smile and plays a crucial role in maintaining oral...
_

When Is It Time for a Dental Bridge Replacement

A dental bridge is a viable option for those with missing teeth. It bridges the gap between teeth, restoring both...
_

Exploring the Average Dental Bridge Lifespan

If you're considering a dental bridge as a solution for your missing teeth, it's essential to clearly understand their longevity,...