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Dental Bridges: What Are They and Why You Might Need One

what are dental bridges & why do you need them

Introduction

Approximately 31% of people in Texas don’t have access to fluoridated water, and 13% have no natural teeth. Making oral health issues very prevalent. One of the most common reasons behind dental problems is the lack of proper care and access to quality professional treatment.

We have created this informative blog to help you learn everything about dental bridges, from the basics to more advanced topics. Many interesting and useful things are discussed here. Furthermore, if you are looking for expert advice from a dental bridge specialist in Prosper, Texas, Radiant smile dentistry got you covered. Let’s break the ice and start with the definition.

What are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges replace missing teeth with a false human-made tooth. Traditionally, it is held by crowns on adjacent teeth. A crown is a hollow shaped false tooth. We use crowns to cover a damaged tooth or an implant. We implant it in place of the tooth to cover its absence. A dental bridge is a combination which requires both crowns and false teeth. 

It looks similar to a bridge shape, and its purpose is to bridge the gap between teeth, so we call it a dental bridge.

Benefits of Dental Bridge Treatment!

Here are some of the top benefits of dental bridge treatment: 

  • Regain your smile
  • Restore your facial structure
  • Fill the gap left by missing teeth
  • Improves your speaking and chewing ability
  • It helps maintain proper tooth alignment
  • Reduces pain while eating food
  • Offers a lasting solution to your dental problems
  • They’re relatively safe and less invasive than implants
  • Offers a quick and better alternative to implants
  • Minimizes mouth bacteria growth occurring from food accumulation in gaps
  • Cost-effective solution that offers faster results
  • It supports the lips and cheeks
  • Improves the overall appearance of our mouth
  • Prevents the jaw joint disorder that happens from an uneven bite

When Do You Need A Tooth Bridge Treatment?

There are a variety of reasons for getting dental bridge treatment. Missing teeth is the worst-case scenario when it becomes essential to get a dental bridge in order to restore your daily mouth-related tasks such as chewing and speaking abilities. But as a preventative measure, you can also get them to protect your weak teeth and cover fractured, discolored, or poorly shaped teeth. 

Although it varies widely from person to person, when exactly you get a dental bridge should be your decision. In most cases, people get them in missing tooth situations.

Wise people believe that prevention is more helpful than treatment. We recommend you get your teeth regularly assessed from a qualified dentist clinic, such as Radiant Smiles Dentistry, and practice preventative measures to avoid future complications.

Types of Dental Bridges

Different types of dental bridges are covered here:

  • Traditional Bridges: Most popular type of dental bridges. A false tooth is fixed with the help of crowns on the adjacent sides of teeth. It has its limitations and can only be used when the missing spot has natural-surrounded teeth.

  • Cantilever Bridges: Just like a cantilever, the fake tooth is anchored to one adjacent natural tooth. Its advantage is that you won’t need to rely on two supportive teeth, and it’s relatively less expensive.

  • Maryland Bonded Bridges: It relies on two adjacent teeth like the traditional bridges but uses a different anchoring mechanism. A metal or porcelain is used for keeping the fake tooth in place between the natural teeth.

  • Implant-Supported Bridges: It is usually employed for missing teeth. When adjacent teeth are missing as well, an implant is used to hold the individual tooth or the entire bridge in some cases.

  • Removable Bridges: They are not permanent, but at times, they are quite convenient to use. It contains a set of fake teeth and plastic gum attached to a clip. This type of dental bridge is also called a partial denture.

Common Differences Between Dental Implants and Dental Bridges

Aspect

Dental Implant

Dental Bridges

Method

Fixed into the jawbone through surgery.

Attached to the adjacent teeth. 

Procedure

Surgery

No surgery is required.

Durability

Can last a lifetime with proper care.

Typically it lasts 5-15 years.

Procedure Cost

Expensive

Cost relatively less

Material

Titanium post, abutment, and crown.

Porcelain, metal, or ceramic bridge.

Impact on Bone

Stimulates and preserves jawbone.

At times, it can lead to bone loss where the tooth is missing.

Maintenance

Regular cleaning just like the natural teeth.

Special floss or tools are required.

Tips for Dental Bridge After Care

Dental Bridge Aftercare

Here are some aftercare tips for you.
  1. Keep the area clean
  2. Avoid hard foods that could damage your bridge
  3. Pay attention to any discomfort or changes
  4. Good care ensures your bridge lasts longer
  5. Floss around the bridge
  6. Always stay hydrated
  7. Follow up with your dentist

Why Choose Radiant Smiles Dentistry for Dental Bridges?

We make it painless. Radiant Smiles is an ideal place for all of your dental problems. It’s like simple math; come to us and we will solve your oral health problems in a simple way. Do you need a dental bridge, have a troublesome wisdom tooth, or are there other dental concerns like tooth extractions ? Discuss your concerns with the trusted dental professionals at Radiant Smiles Dentistry today!

Conclusion

What we observe here is that dental bridges offer a reliable solution for missing teeth. They restore function and enhance your smile. Proper care can also extend their lifespan. Dental bridges become necessary when a tooth is damaged to a great extent or lost. Get professional help today and lead a healthier life. Schedule an appointment with our experts!

Dental Bridge Common FAQs

A dental bridge is good for 5–15 years and heavily depends upon the maintenance and care. Good care can make it last for several years.

Radiant Smiles Dentistry, known for its proven track records, stands as one of the best dental clinic in Prosper, Texas.

It is not at all painful. With modern technology and medical equipment, it is performed seamlessly.
Some soreness may occur during the initial days after treatment, but it should heal within a week of time.
No. They are not permanent, but they last long enough with proper maintenance.

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