The Beginner’s Guide to Dental Bridges: All You Need to Know

The Beginner’s Guide to Dental Bridges: All You Need to Know

Jun 01, 2021

Having missing teeth is not suitable for anyone’s oral health. You will struggle to chew correctly, your jaw bone will start deteriorating, your facial muscles will begin to sag, and the list goes on. In fact, poor aesthetics should be the least of your worries.

Many reasons lead to missing teeth – you can lose your teeth through infections, tooth decay, and injuries. Regardless of how you have lost your teeth, our dentist near you offers dental bridges in Dallas, TX.

Dental bridges have been improving over the years, and these days they are made more life-like than ever before.

Understanding Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed tooth replacement option made up of several pieces that are bonded together to fit into the space left by the missing tooth. The bridge has a false tooth (pontic) at the center and a crown on either side of the false tooth.

The false tooth is placed to “bridge” the gap, while the crowns encase the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Your natural teeth are the anchors that hold the teeth bridge in place. The natural teeth are known as abutment teeth.

The false tooth is made from porcelain or a combination of materials such as gold. For dental bridges to be a success, the abutment teeth have to be strong and healthy. However, before the bridge is placed, the abutment teeth have to be prepared by our general dentist in Dallas, Texas. In other words, the teeth will be filed down to give room for the crowns to fit.

Types of Dental Bridges

Our dentist in Dallas, TX, offers the following dental bridges:

    • Traditional Bridges

These bridges are the most common type. They consist of a false tooth at the center and two crowns located on either side of the false tooth. They are the best choice if you have healthy and sturdy teeth on either side of the gap. The traditional dental bridge in Dallas, Texas, is strong enough to replace molars.

Your natural teeth have to be prepared to get this type of bridge, making it a permanent procedure since enamel can never grow back.

    • Maryland Bridges

The Maryland bridge is a conservative type of bridge as compared to the traditional bridge. Instead of the false tooth being attached to crowns, it is attached to a metal or porcelain framework.

The bridge is attached to the back of your teeth, eliminating the need for crowns. Therefore, there’s no need for your teeth to be prepared.

The bridge is best suited to replace front teeth since they are not sturdy enough to withstand the chewing force.

    • Cantilever Bridges

These bridges are similar to conventional bridges but differ in one area. The false tooth is attached to one crown instead of two. It is a good option if you are looking to replace a missing tooth that has one natural tooth adjacent to the gap.

The major downside with this bridge is that it can act as a lever since it is supported on one side instead of two, as is the case with conventional bridges.

    • Implant-Supported Bridges

When you are missing many teeth, an implant-supported bridge can be of service. The implant-supported bridges are similar to traditional bridges, but instead of using your natural teeth for anchorage, they use dental implants.

They are comfortable and stable, and they feel like your natural teeth. The only problem with this bridge is that you have to undergo implant placement surgery before receiving your new pearly whites.

What Are the Benefits of Using Bridges?

Bridges come with the following benefits:

  • Restore your speech
  • Restore your facial integrity
  • Prevent the remaining teeth from shifting
  • Restore your smile
  • Regain your ability to chew your food

How Long Do Bridges Last?

Dental bridges in Dallas, Texas, can last up to 15 years, at times, even longer. The only way you can enjoy your bridges for longer is by maintaining excellent oral hygiene practices.

How to Care for Your Dental Bridges?

Proper oral hygiene can go a long way to making your bridges last longer. They are permanent prosthetics, which means you have to treat them as you would your natural teeth. How long they will serve you is dependent on the health of the abutment teeth. Therefore, don’t forget to do the basics, brushing after meals each day, flossing, and maintaining your appointments with our dentist near you.

Contact our dentist in Dallas, TX, at Trinity Dental Loft, if you need a dental bridge.

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