A dental bridge is not much different than the way it sounds – it is a bridge that covers the gap caused by a missing tooth. The false tooth used in a bridge is called a pontic and it is typically made out of porcelain, gold, or other metal alloys – although here at Tribeca Advanced Dentistry’s downtown New York office we typically use porcelain because it matches the natural look and feel of your teeth.
With a dental bridge, you can not only replace your missing teeth, you can also completely regain your ability to chew regular food and speak properly. Bridges also restore the aesthetics of your smile.
Let’s look at some must-know facts you should take into account when considering dental bridges.
What are the available options?
Not all bridges are equal and there are three main options to choose from. They are as follows:
- Traditional – This type of dental bridge is created by putting two crowns on either side of the gap (caused by your missing tooth). The middle of the bridge holds the false tooth. Basically, the crowns slide over the teeth on either side of the gap and the false tooth fits snugly into the gap between those teeth, bridging your smile. These are typically made out of ceramics or porcelain fused to metal and are the most common type of dental bridge.
- Cantilever – If the gap caused by a missing tooth does not have teeth on either side of it, this bridge will allow you to fill the gap if teeth are only on one side of the missing tooth.
- Maryland Bonded – Also known as “porcelain-bonded bridges” this particular bridge comes with porcelain wings that are bonded to the natural teeth and is a more conservative option. Because very little adjacent tooth structure needs to be removed, this type of bridge is used in a limited amount of cases.
How long do dental bridges last?
Like anything regarding your oral health, a lot of it has to do with your personal hygiene habits. Dental bridges typically last between 5 and 15 years depending on your habits. However, with regular prophylaxis and consistent oral hygiene, the lifespan of your average dental bridge should be over ten years.
Another important factor affecting the lifespan of your dental bridge is the strength of your remaining natural teeth. Because a bridge essentially requires a solid foundation of natural teeth to stay intact, bad hygiene (there’s that word again) can cause gum diseases or tooth decay that could compromise your remaining teeth and cause your dental bridge to break down.
Dental bridges vs. dental implants
For years, dental bridges have been the go-to procedure to replace missing teeth. However, with new and emerging technology, dental implants have often proved a better alternative in some cases. Instead of replacing missing teeth with a bridge, a dental implant gets rid of the need to cut down adjacent teeth for crowns and gets rid of the need of having the bridge connected, which makes hygiene much easier. A dental implant procedure can replace one to four missing teeth and they are as close as you can get to natural tooth function and appearance.
However, dental implants are more expensive than bridges. Yet, they can be more cost-effective in the long-run as they are likely to not need replacing while dental bridges will invariably need replacing after a number of years.
What is it like to have a dental bridge?
After you receive a dental bridge, you will definitely notice some changes, especially as you grow more accustomed to the bridge. In the beginning, you should start by eating foods that are easy to chew such as small, bite-sized foods that are soft.
You will also notice that is immediately easier to speak. Over time, as you get used to your bridge, it will begin to function more and more like your natural teeth.
To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact Tribeca Advanced Dentistry in downtown New York today by clicking here.