Even losing one tooth can make a big impact on multiple functions. Missing teeth can create bite problems, impact your self confidence, and restrict the foods you can eat. Dental bridges can help. Bridges are a restorative dentistry treatment we provide at 615 Smile Design Studio in Nashville, TN.
A dental bridge “bridges the gap” left by one or more missing teeth. We work with local dental labs and oral surgeons to provide bridge treatment to restore the smile’s form and function.
Common Types of Dental Bridges
Dentists can use multiple options to replace one or more missing teeth. The main types of bridges include:
Maryland Bridge
A Maryland dental bridge is also known as a resin-bonded bridge. It often replaces a front tooth. A Maryland bridge consists of a false tooth with metal or acrylic wings on either side. A dentist bonds the wings to the back of the teeth on either side of the missing tooth gap.
The drawback of these bridges is they often need rebonding every five years. The wings can also discolor teeth over time.
Traditional Bridge
A traditional dental bridge uses the support of surrounding teeth to hold a prosthetic tooth, or pontic, in place. Also known as abutment teeth, dentists prepare these teeth and cover them with dental crowns to stabilize a false tooth or teeth.
A traditional bridge uses support from either side of the tooth gap. Bridges restore the appearance of missing teeth but do not support the health of the gum tissue and surrounding teeth.
Cantilever Bridge
Unlike a traditional bridge, a cantilever dental bridge uses support from one side of the missing tooth gap. We may recommend this bridge if you only have one natural tooth next to your tooth gap. However, because this bridge only uses support from one side, it can lead to stress on the abutment teeth.
Implant Bridge
Dental implants can help restore teeth at the root while looking and functioning like a natural tooth. We recommend single implants or implant-supported bridges for a row of lost teeth. Implants are small posts that an oral surgeon can place in the jaw bone beneath the gums. Dental implants stabilize dental bridges and make it easier for patients to bite and chew.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer benefits over traditional bridge treatment. Implants:
- Support the Natural Jaw Bone: After you lose a tooth, you lose the support of your tooth roots. As a result, you can experience jaw bone loss. The jawbone helps support your facial structure Over time, the gum tissue around a bridge may recede, causing a visible gap or change in appearance.
- Last for Years: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. They use biocompatible materials like titanium, which integrate with the jawbone to create a stable and durable foundation for replacement teeth. Traditional bridges can last between 5 to 15 years. They may need replacement or adjustment over time due to wear and tear or changes in the supporting teeth and gums.
- Offer a Natural Look: Because implants stimulate the jawbone, they maintain the structure of the face and jaw. Bridges do not provide the same stimulation to the jawbone, which can lead to bone deterioration over time. Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth. While bridges also restore appearance and function, they may not offer the same level of natural feel and comfort as implants.
- Preserve Natural Teeth: Implants do not need adjacent teeth for support. Because we must prepare adjacent teeth to serve as anchors, which can weaken those teeth and make them more susceptible to decay and other issues.
Dental Bridges in Nashville, TN
Dental bridge treatment can take two or more appointments. For patients who want a traditional bridge, we will prepare the abutment teeth for their dental crowns. Then, we take digital impressions of the smile and place a temporary bridge. Once the crowns and false tooth are complete, we will cement the permanent bridge.
If patients want an implant-secured bridge, we will work with a local oral surgeon who will place the dental implants. We also take impressions to create the dental bridge. During osseointegration, the implant posts fuse with the jaw bone.
Once the implants have healed, we will attach the abutment. This piece will connect the implant post to the bridge. When your gums heal, you will return to our office so we can attach the final bridge to the implants.
Dental Bridge Care
The right care can ensure your traditional or implant-supported bridge lasts for years. To care for your dental bridge, we recommend that you:
Clean Your Bridges Daily
You can care for implant bridges just like natural teeth. Brush your false teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid toothpaste with abrasive ingredients like charcoal. Remember to floss between each tooth before you brush to remove leftover debris from the teeth and gums.
Traditional bridges require special attention to cleaning underneath the false tooth or teeth. We may recommend threaded floss or a water flosser to remove debris from beneath the bridge.
Be Careful With Your Bridge
If you have a traditional bridge, you should be careful when you eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. These foods can dislodge or loosen your bridge. Instead, cut up your food or eat softer foods, especially as you get used to your new teeth.
Visit Our Office
Continue to schedule visits with us in our office. At regular visits, we will provide a cleaning. We will also examine your bridge to ensure it looks and functions properly. If we need to rebase or readjust your bridge, we can do so at regular visits.
Restore Missing Teeth
Do you have one or more lost teeth? Are your missing teeth creating an uncomfortable, uneven bite? Contact 615 Smile Design Studio to restore your smile today at (615) 637-2878. You can also schedule an appointment with our dental team on our website.
Let us know if you have questions about bridge treatment. We encourage patients to ask us if they have questions about their eligibility or current oral health problems.