Do you have gaps in your smile due to missing teeth? When you have more than one missing tooth, you are at risk for several downfalls. Beyond your social confidence and ability to eat, you may also experience misalignment as your existing teeth shift towards the open spaces. In order to restore your smile and avoid the setbacks of missing teeth, a custom dental bridge may be recommended.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge does just what its name suggests, it “bridges the gap” of missing teeth. A traditional dental bridge consists of one or more prosthetic teeth that attach to your natural teeth on either side. In most cases, these anchoring teeth are fitted with dental crowns to give them extra strength and stability to do their job. Depending on your specific needs, a cantilever bridge or Maryland bonded bridge may also be used as alternative types of dental bridges.
How to Care For Your Dental Bridge
While there is no doubt that a dental bridge can effectively restore the appearance and function of your smile, it still needs to be cared for properly if you want to protect your investment. Fortunately, most dental bridges can be cared for much like your regular teeth. You’ll need to brush twice a day for two minutes to fight plaque buildup around the bridge, as well as floss daily. When flossing, it is important to floss carefully in between your dental bridge and natural teeth. You need to dislodge food debris without being too aggressive and dislodging the structure of your bridge.
Remember that just because you have prosthetic teeth, doesn’t mean you can’t suffer decay on your natural teeth or gum disease beneath the bridge. It is critical that you clean all areas of your smile. In addition, be mindful about not biting down on hard substances using your dental bridge, as this may cause your replacement teeth to chip or loosen. If you suspect a teeth-grinding habit, talk to your dentist about a custom nightguard to prevent bridge damage. With proper care, most patients can expect their dental bridge to last up to ten years!
Ready to Get Your Dental Bridge?
At Gainesville Dental Group, we are proud to offer beautiful custom-fit dental bridges to restore your smile. The process may require multiple appointments, as we need to take precise measurements of your teeth and prepare the anchoring teeth with dental crowns. To learn more or schedule your consult for a dental bridge, please call our office today!
Posted on behalf of Gainesville Dental Group
