Dental Bridge Dental bridges are one option for restoring the look and function of your mouth after you lose a tooth or multiple teeth. Without a replacement, you will experience difficulty eating and speaking. You could also have a change in facial structure as the tissue around the missing teeth, such as your cheeks, may appear to sink in. Dental bridges are also helpful in protecting the surrounding teeth from damage and decay. There are several types of dental bridges available and we can explain each of these at Leavenworth Family Dental. Dental Bridge OptionsBridges are always made of either metal, ceramic, or a combination of both. During your consultation, we will discuss the benefits of each type and help you choose the best option. We use four main types of dental bridges at our office. These include traditional, Maryland, cantilever, and implant-supported bridges. Traditional bridges are what most of our patients choose since they are rather durable and supportive. However, they are a bit more involved than the other types. Traditional bridges are held in their place by abutment teeth, which are the adjacent teeth that have been capped with dental crowns. In order to place the crowns, the natural teeth must lose some of their enamel. Once this is done, the bridge is cemented to the abutment teeth and the procedure is complete. Traditional bridges are typically made with ceramic or porcelain fused with metal. Maryland bridges, also called resin-bonded dental bridges, are often used with front teeth. These are held in place by metal or porcelain bands, which are then attached to the back of the abutment teeth. Because of this, no crowns are needed. This type of bridge, though aesthetically pleasing, is less durable than traditional bridges. Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional dental bridges, but they are only attached to a single abutment tooth. This abutment tooth also loses enamel to make way for a dental crown. Because they are only supported on one side, rather than two, you may experience more damage or shifting than you would with a traditional bridge. Implant-supported bridges are one of the more invasive options. These begin with surgery to place the dental implants, which are post-like structures that will provide the base of the bridge. Once you heal from this, a second surgery will take place where our dentist can permanently place the dental bridge. These are stronger and more durable, but you should expect the process for implant-supported bridges to take several months. Recovery and MaintenanceThough it will depend on the specific type of dental bridge and material used, you can expect your bridge to last about five to seven years. We will suggest you avoid certain types of foods, such as sticky, hard, or crunchy foods, especially in the first few days following your procedure. Dental bridges are strong but are still susceptible to damage. You must also follow good oral hygiene to keep your gums healthy and keep the bridge intact. With proper maintenance, they can last more than 10 years. Call Leavenworth Family Dental at 913-682-1550 for more information on dental bridges. |
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