What to Know About Living With Dental Bridges

One or multiple missing teeth may not be bothersome for some individuals; however, missing teeth can produce long-term consequences that impact the ability to effectively chew and speak. At The Dentist of Allen, our professional team provides a wide array of cosmetic dentistry procedures to provide patients with fuller, natural-looking smiles to enhance aesthetics and overall oral health. We work with patients throughout and near Allen, TX, providing highly tailored treatment based on individual concerns and personal dental goals.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a medical-grade restoration that fills in gaps with single or multiple false teeth. Depending on your unique oral structures, the bridge can be supported with crowns, dental implants, natural teeth, or all the above. At The Dentist of Allen, our team will carefully assess your teeth to determine which dental bridge would provide you with the most oral benefits.

Types of dental bridges

The type of dental bridge used to replace missing teeth depends on which teeth are missing and the patient’s overall oral health and personal preferences. Both ends of the bridge must be effectively supported by a fixture, some of which include:

• Crowns: Each end is fixed to a crown that is capped over damaged teeth
• Dental implants: Each end is fixed to artificial teeth that are attached to abutments that are surgically implanted into the jawbone
• Natural teeth: Each end is winged and bonded with a resin to the back of the natural teeth, common for addressing gaps in the front teeth

Benefits of a dental bridge

Dental bridges provide men and women with numerous benefits, including:

• A fuller, natural-looking smile
• Improved speech patterns
• Increased capacity for chewing
• Stain-resistant artificial teeth
• Long-lasting results

Am I an ideal candidate for a dental bridge?

Individuals may be excellent candidates for dental bridges if they:

• Are in good, general health
• Have healthy teeth, gums, and oral structures
• Have one or more missing teeth
• Have the capacity to clean their restoration regularly

Our team will assess your teeth and oral health to determine if you can safely receive a dental bridge. If you have any unresolved oral infections or decay, you may need to receive specific dental treatments prior to being fitted for a dental bridge.

How the fitting process works

Patients attend a scheduled appointment at The Dentist of Allen within the comforts of one of our private treatment rooms. If necessary, the teeth are filed down, and digital impressions are collected to create your customized dental bridge. While waiting for your bridge, you may be sent home with a temporary restoration. Once your dental bridge is ready, you will return to our office and receive local anesthesia prior to being fitted for your new restoration. If requested, our team can provide sedation for enhanced comfort. The dental bridge is either glued in place or fixed with dental implants, depending on your selected restoration. Once your session is completed, you may return home to resume normal daily activities.

Living with a dental bridge

Patients may feel some teeth sensitivity almost immediately after their dental bridge fitting, which should subside within a few days. Although a dental bridge is a sturdy, medical-grade restoration, it is essential for patients to adopt a lifestyle to protect their dental bridge and teeth from damage. Consider applying the following tips:

• Thoroughly clean your restoration regularly
• Brush and floss your teeth twice daily
• Minimize your sugar intake
• Avoid hard, chewy, and sticky foods
• Avoid crumbly or kernel foods that can get caught under your bridge
• Stay well-hydrated
• Attend routine dental checkups and professional cleanings

How long should my dental bridge last?

With the right dental hygiene habits and lifestyle modifications, your dental bridge can potentially last for many years. If your restoration becomes loose or doesn’t appear to fit well, consult with our team right away for the proper adjustments.

Learn more about living with dental bridges

If you reside in or near Allen, TX, and would like to learn more about how to live with a new dental bridge or if a customized dental bridge is right for you, contact us at The Dentist of Allen and schedule a consultation today. Our team looks forward to working with you and providing you with all your cosmetic dentistry needs.