Dental Bridge – Deland, FL

Traditional Dental Bridge

A traditional bridge is a tried and proven solution to replace 1-2 lost teeth. Although they can be used to replicate up to 4, longer restorations can be less stable. Your dentist will create prosthetics to fill the gap between your remaining teeth. The bridge is held in place by bonding dental crowns over the adjacent teeth. You’ll have to permanently alter healthy teeth; however, your bridge and crowns can last for 5-15 years, so you won’t have to worry about replacements often.

Implant Bridge

As an alternative to a traditional fixed bridge, you can use dental implants to support your new teeth. 1-2 implant posts are surgically placed into your jawbone to replicate new roots. Your bone will fuse to the posts, allowing them to remain in place forever with the right aftercare. You won’t have to reshape your natural teeth or budget for replacements every few years. You’ll enjoy a nearly perfect recreation of your natural smile.

Do Dental Bridges Look Natural?

Our dental bridges are constructed out of ceramic materials, which can be personalized to match the same color as the rest of your smile. This means they’ll be indistinguishable from the surrounding pearly whites, as most people won’t notice the difference. Not only will your dental bridge seamlessly blend with your other teeth, but it’ll also feel and work naturally. You’ll be able to speak and eat comfortably, and you won’t have to worry about your restoration possibly shifting out of place or falling out like dentures.

How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?

While it varies depending on several factors, dental bridges can usually last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. Their lifespan can be influenced by your diet, dental hygiene, and any poor oral habits that you practice. If you typically smoke tobacco, grind or clench your teeth, chew on ice, or bite your fingernails, then you can potentially risk damaging your restoration over time. Dental bridges that restore front teeth can also last longer than those in the back of your mouth, as they don’t take the brunt of the pressure from chewing. Also, a bridge supported by a dental implant can generally be maintained much longer than traditional ones.

How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?

A dental bridge can restore anywhere between one and four missing teeth. However, this option is usually used for patients needing to replace one or two. This is because the longer the bridge reaches or extends, the less stable it’ll be. If you do need to replace three or more consecutive missing teeth, then you might consider receiving implant bridges instead, as they can lower the risk of instability and will provide a firmer bite in the long run.

Can You Take a Dental Bridge Out?

You should not be able to remove your dental bridge on your own. In fact, this restoration is designed to stay firmly in your mouth for many years after being placed. Only a trained dental professional can take out a dental bridge. They are not to be confused with partial dentures, which are sometimes referred to as “removable bridges.” Though these two options are similar in that they replace multiple teeth, only a partial denture should be able to be removed by the patient at any time.

Can Dental Bridges Be Whitened?

No, you cannot whiten a dental bridge. The reason is that the material used to create the bridge is not porous like natural teeth. Tooth enamel allows bleaching gel to penetrate through its tiny pores so that it can break up stains; however, bridges do not. With a metal-free bridge, you should see your artificial teeth blend easily with the rest of your smile, but if you want to prevent your bridge from standing out, you’ll need to consider having your teeth whitened before receiving your bridge. This will ensure that all your teeth match once it is in place.

Can Dental Bridges Get Cavities?

While a dental bridge cannot develop cavities, the natural teeth underneath can. Food particles and bacteria can become trapped underneath the artificial teeth, making it easy for infections to form. This usually only happens if the individual is not practicing good oral hygiene. It’s essential to clean around and under the bridge every day.

If it appears that the bridge is nearing the end of its life, you may notice that the cement holding it in place begins to crack. If this happens, bacteria can enter and cause problems, so you’ll need to meet with a member of our team to address the issue.

Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?

Before your dentist begins to prepare your teeth for a dental bridge, they will administer local anesthesia to numb the areas where the work will be done. Once the preparation and placement of your bridge is complete, you may notice that the underlying teeth feel sensitive for a few days. This is normal. You can take an over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate any discomfort, but you should call our office if you notice it worsening. If you receive an implant bridge, you will feel some soreness after your dental implant placement surgery; however, we will provide aftercare instructions to ensure a successful and comfortable healing process.

Is a Partial Denture the Same as a Bridge?

No, a partial denture is not the same as a dental bridge. Although they’re sometimes referred to as “removable bridges,” the two are not the same. Dental bridges in Deland stay in place for many years and can only be removed by a dentist. Partial dentures can be removed at home by the individuals wearing them.

Another difference is that bridges only replace missing teeth if they are consecutive. Partials can be crafted to replace multiple teeth, no matter where they exist along the arch. Also, bridges are anchored with dental crowns, but partials come with a metal framework and clasps or clips that are placed behind natural teeth.