A dental bridge is a cost-effective option to replace one or more missing teeth. In this blog, we’ll discuss what a dental bridge is, who needs dental bridges, the benefits, care and more. 

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a popular option available to fill a gap left by missing teeth. Bridges use two crowns placed over adjacent teeth (one on each side of the missing tooth or teeth) to hold an artificial tooth in place. The artificial tooth is often made of porcelain or ceramic to blend more naturally with existing teeth. A dental bridge can help improve your overall oral health and the look of your smile. 

Who Needs Dental Bridges?

Whether you’re missing teeth because of tooth decay, injury, gum disease, or a congenital condition, you may be a candidate for a dental bridge if you have healthy teeth on one or both sides of the missing teeth. A missing tooth may not be something you dwell on, but a dental bridge helps reduce bite problems, chewing difficulties, and pain caused by missing teeth.

What are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

There are more benefits than you might realize to having a dental bridge inserted. The main benefits include oral health, improved speaking and chewing, and a brighter smile.

Oral Health

A dental bridge can not only help keep your natural teeth in place, but it can also help your natural teeth become less likely to become loose. This will help keep your bite aligned, which is important because the misalignment of your teeth can cause TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint)  disorders, tooth erosion, and more. 

Improved Speaking and Chewing

Speaking or chewing can become difficult when you’ve lost teeth for many reasons. Some include the deterioration of your jaw bone (tooth roots stimulate the jawbone to produce bone cells) or how certain teeth are necessary for pronouncing certain words. Missing teeth can also make chewing specific foods more difficult or uncomfortable. Imagine a popcorn kernel sticking into your gums without the barrier of your teeth! 

A Brighter Smile

Dental bridges are a way to a brighter, fuller, and more beautiful smile. Many people may desire dental bridges for this main reason. A bridge can help boost your self confidence and your experiences with others.

How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?

Like with most things, the better you care for your dental bridge, the longer it will last. Dental bridges can last five to seven years, but a bridge may last more than ten years with regular professional cleanings and good oral hygiene. Foods to avoid to extend the life of your dental bridge include chewy, sticky candy, sugary foods, popcorn, nuts, and hard candy or snacks. 

What Care is Needed for a Dental Bridge?

You may be surprised to learn caring for a dental bridge isn’t much different from generally caring for your teeth. However, it is important to prevent tooth decay and gum disease to keep your dental bridge properly mounted. 

To properly care for your dental bridge and existing teeth, brush twice a day and floss daily. Because the dental bridge is mounted to existing teeth, your dentist may need to show you how to use a threader to properly floss around your dental bridge. 

It’s also important to schedule and attend regular professional cleanings. Not only can this help maintain a healthy mouth, but it can also help detect problems early. Eating a balanced diet will prolong the life of your dental bridge and existing teeth. Include plenty of vegetables, fruits, and fiber.

What is the Difference Between a Dental Bridge and an Implant?

There are many differences between dental bridges and dental implants. Dental bridges are attached to existing, healthy teeth while dental implants are mounted into your jawbone with screws. This means there is no bone grafting or intensive surgery needed when inserting dental bridges.

Dental bridges are also likely to be covered by insurance, though this isn’t always the case. They also usually have a lower upfront cost than dental implants. Additionally, dental bridges typically require two visits to your dentist over a couple weeks, while dental implants can take up to six months to be fitted and implanted. However, both dental bridges and implants have their unique benefits, and you should speak with your dentist about which option is right for you. 

If you’re missing one or more teeth and are interested in discussing if you’re a good candidate for a dental bridge, get in touch with our expert dental professionals here at Shapiro Family Dentistry. With offices located across South Florida in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and Fort Pierce, our husband and wife dental team, along with our team of dental practitioners and specialists, provide expert dental care at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our dental services guaranteed to make you smile.