Revitalize Your Smile with Dental Bridges
A radiant smile can light up a room, but missing teeth can often dim that brightness. Fortunately, our Vero Beach, FL, dentist, Dr. Morgan Clay, offers dental bridges as a reliable solution to this problem. Dental bridges are a popular and cost effective way to replace missing teeth and restore your smile’s beauty and function.
Dental bridges from Vero Beach Dental Care can illuminate your smile after tooth loss. Call (772) 770-2225 today to schedule your restorative dentistry consultation!
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are a type of dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are aptly named because they “bridge” the gap between natural teeth, creating a seamless and functional smile. There are three main types of dental bridges:
Fixed Bridges
Fixed bridges are the most common type of dental bridge. They consist of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, anchored in place by dental crowns on the natural teeth surrounding the gap. This fixed design ensures stability and durability.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer numerous benefits, including:
- Restored Functionality: Bridges allow you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, just like with natural teeth.
- Improved Appearance: Bridges fill gaps, preventing nearby teeth from shifting and leading to a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Enhanced Oral Health: By replacing missing teeth, bridges help maintain proper tooth alignment and reduce the risk of oral health issues.
- Durability: With proper care, dental bridges can last for many years, providing a long-term solution to missing teeth.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Bridges?
Ideal candidates for dental bridges have:
- One or more teeth missing
- Healthy teeth next to the gap
- Good overall oral health
- Commitment to maintaining proper oral hygiene
It’s essential to consult with your Vero Beach dentist to determine your eligibility for dental bridges and explore other treatment options if needed.
Dental Bridge Procedure
The dental bridge procedure typically involves several steps:
Consultation
During your visit to Vero Beach Dental Care, our experienced dentist will assess your oral health, discuss your options, and create a personalized treatment plan.
Tooth Preparation
For fixed and cantilever bridges, the adjacent teeth are prepared by removing a portion of their enamel to accommodate the crowns. For resin-bonded bridges, minimal tooth reduction is needed.
Impressions
Dr. Clay will carefully take impressions of your teeth to create custom-fitted pontics and crowns.
Temporary Bridge
While your permanent bridge is being fabricated, you may receive a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and maintain aesthetics.
Bridge Placement
Once the bridge is ready, our Vero Beach dentist will check the fit and permanently cement it in place.
Final Adjustments
Dr. Clay will make any necessary adjustments to ensure your bite and appearance are comfortable and natural.
Caring For Dental Bridges
Caring for dental bridges is essential to ensure their longevity and maintain your oral health. Here are Dr. Clay’s tips for keeping your bridges looking and feeling comfortable.
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth, including the dental bridge, at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Pay special attention to the area around the bridge.
- Floss Regularly: Use dental floss or a waterpik to clean between the artificial teeth of the bridge and the adjacent natural teeth. This helps remove plaque and food particles.
- Avoid Sticky or Hard Foods: Be cautious with exceptionally sticky or hard foods, as they can potentially damage the dental bridge. Opt for softer, non-sticky options.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit Vero Beach Dental Care for routine check-ups and cleanings. Professional cleanings help maintain the health of your dental bridge and surrounding teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
The placement of dental bridges is typically not painful. During the procedure, local anesthetic can ensure that you don’t feel any discomfort. However, it’s normal to experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity in the days following the procedure as your mouth adjusts to the new bridge.
Dental bridges can last for a considerable amount of time with proper care and maintenance. On average, they typically last between 10 to 15 years, but some bridges can last even longer when well-maintained.
Yes, you can eat normally with a dental bridge, as it’s designed to function like natural teeth. However, it’s advisable to avoid extremely hard or sticky foods to prevent potential damage to the bridge or the supporting teeth. Regular oral hygiene and dental check-ups are essential to ensure the bridge’s longevity and maintain good oral health.
If you have gum disease, it’s crucial to address and treat the gum disease before considering a dental bridge. Gum disease can weaken the supporting gum and bone structure, which is essential for the stability of a dental bridge. Once your gum health is restored through treatment, your dentist can assess your eligibility for a dental bridge or recommend alternative options based on your specific oral health needs.