A bridge is a great way to fill the space created by missing teeth. A bridge uses neighboring teeth to support an artificial tooth in the mouth. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material made to match your natural tooth color. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and aesthetics.
It is beneficial to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible. If not treated, the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward. Since teeth use their neighbors for support, if one is missing, they begin to “fall” and shift into the open spaces. This may worsen the bite because of the changes in pressure and can eventually result in problems with the jaw.
At Cavanaugh Dental in Lansing, our dental care team creates custom dental bridges that look and feel just like your natural teeth. When you lose a tooth, it can affect how you eat, speak, and even how you feel about your smile. A dental bridge helps fix these problems by replacing your missing teeth.
Dental bridges are made up of two or more crowns that go over the teeth on each side of the gap, with a false tooth or teeth in between. These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from different materials like gold, porcelain, or a mix of materials.
Why You Might Need a Dental Bridge
There are many reasons why replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge is important:
- Restores your smile and helps you feel more confident
- Makes it easier to chew food properly
- Helps you speak more clearly
- Maintains the shape of your face
- Prevents remaining teeth from drifting out of position
- Helps distribute bite forces properly when you chew
- Prevents issues with your jaw joint
When you lose a tooth, the teeth around it can start to shift into the empty space. This can cause your bite to change and create new places for food to get stuck, which might lead to gum disease or tooth decay. A dental bridge helps keep your teeth in their proper places.
Types of Dental Bridges
We offer several types of dental bridges to meet your specific needs. We will evaluate your oral health and discuss your functional and esthetic goals before recommending a bridge.
Traditional Bridges
This is the most common type of bridge. We place crowns on the teeth on both sides of the gap, with the replacement tooth attached in between. Traditional bridges are strong and durable, making them a good choice for replacing teeth in the back of your mouth, where chewing forces are strongest.
Maryland Bridges
These bridges are more conservative than traditional bridges. Instead of crowns, they use a metal or porcelain framework that is bonded to the backs of the teeth next to the gap. Maryland bridges are often used for front teeth, where the chewing forces aren’t as strong.
Cantilever Bridges
When there are healthy teeth on only one side of the gap, we might use a cantilever bridge. This type isn’t used as often today, especially in the back of the mouth, where it could put too much force on other teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
For the most stable and long-lasting solution, we can place dental implants to support your bridge. Dental implants are small titanium posts that are placed in your jawbone where teeth are missing. The implants fuse with your bone and provide solid support for the bridge.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer many advantages for patients with missing teeth:
- Improved Appearance: Dental bridges fill in gaps in your smile with natural-looking replacement teeth. This can greatly improve your appearance and boost your self-confidence in social and professional situations.
- Restored Functionality: Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew properly and speak clearly. Dental bridges restore these functions, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and communicate without difficulty.
- Quick Solution: Unlike some other tooth replacement options, dental bridges can typically be completed in just two or three visits over a few weeks. This provides a relatively quick solution to missing teeth.
- Affordable Option: Dental bridges are generally more affordable than some other tooth replacement options, making them accessible to more patients who need to replace missing teeth.
- No Surgery Required: Traditional dental bridges don’t require surgery, which makes them a good option for patients who may not be candidates for surgical procedures.
- Prevents Shifting: When you have gaps in your smile, your remaining teeth may gradually shift into the empty spaces. This can lead to bite problems and additional tooth loss. Bridges help keep your teeth properly aligned.
- Maintains Facial Structure: Missing teeth can cause your face to have a sunken appearance. Dental bridges help maintain your facial structure and prevent premature aging.
What to Expect During the Dental Bridge Process
Getting a dental bridge usually takes two or three visits to our Lansing office. We will explain all aspects of the process during your consultation and our team is ready to answer your questions along the way.
First Visit
During your first appointment, we prepare the abutment teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crowns. We then take precise impressions of your teeth, which are sent to a dental lab where your bridge will be custom-made. Before you leave, we place a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums.
Between Visits
While your permanent bridge is being made, you’ll wear the temporary bridge. Be gentle with it and avoid sticky or hard foods that could pull it off. Continue to brush and floss carefully around the temporary bridge.
Final Visit
When your permanent bridge is ready, you’ll return to our office. We’ll remove the temporary bridge and check the fit of the new one. We may need to make minor adjustments to ensure it fits perfectly. Once we’re both happy with the fit, we’ll permanently cement the bridge in place.
After Getting Your Bridge
You might feel some sensitivity to hot and cold for a few weeks after getting your bridge. This is normal and usually goes away on its own. You might also need a little time to get used to the feel of your new bridge when speaking or eating.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
With proper care, your dental bridge can last many years. Maintaining your bridge requires daily attention, including brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, using a floss threader or special bridge floss to clean under the bridge where regular floss can’t reach. An antiseptic mouthwash can help prevent gum disease around your bridge, while avoiding hard foods, ice, or other hard objects protects it from damage. Regular visits to Cavanaugh Dental for checkups and professional cleanings are essential to monitor your bridge’s condition and ensure your overall oral health remains excellent throughout the life of your restoration.
Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation
If you have missing teeth and are considering a dental bridge, we invite you to call (517) 760-6845 or schedule a consultation at Cavanaugh Dental in Lansing, MI. Our experienced team will examine your mouth, discuss your options, and help you decide if a dental bridge is right for you.