How Do They Put a Bridge on Your Teeth?

Dental bridges are essential for restoring missing teeth, enhancing your smile, and maintaining oral health. They improve both function and aesthetics by filling gaps caused by lost teeth. Missing teeth can cause difficulties with chewing, speaking, and even changes in facial structure. Understanding the process and benefits of dental bridges helps you make well-informed decisions regarding your oral health. This guide will uncover the steps involved in getting a dental bridge, from preparation to final placement, and discuss the importance of proper care and maintenance.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device utilized to substitute one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjoining natural teeth or implants. The core purpose of a dental bridge is to reinstate the functionality and appearance of your smile. There are diverse types of dental bridges, such as:

Traditional Bridges: These are the most common type, involving one or more artificial teeth held in place by dental crowns on the adjoining teeth.
Cantilever Bridges: These are employed when there are teeth only on one side of the gap.
Maryland Bridges: These utilize a metal or porcelain framework fixed to the back of adjacent teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges: These use dental implants instead of crowns or frameworks for support.

Preparation for Bridge Placement

Before placing a dental bridge, thorough preparation is necessary, including:

Initial Consultation and Examination: Your dentist will examine your mouth, discuss your needs, and ascertain if a dental bridge is the right solution for you. This includes checking the health of your adjacent teeth and gums.
X-rays and Impressions: To evaluate the condition of your teeth and the gap, your dentist will take X-rays and impressions. These help in planning the treatment and designing the bridge.
Treatment Planning: Your dentist will explain the options, discuss the materials for your bridge, and plan the procedure, considering factors such as the number of missing teeth and the state of the abutment teeth.

Steps Involved in Placing a Dental Bridge

The process of placing a dental bridge in Concord, NH, involves several steps, such as:

Preparation of Abutment Teeth: The teeth adjacent to the gap (abutment teeth) are prepared by removing a part of the enamel to accommodate the crowns.
Impressions: Your dentist will take proper impressions of your teeth, which can be utilized to create the custom bridge.
Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge may be positioned to protect the revealed teeth and gums while the permanent bridge is being made.
Placement of Permanent Bridge: Once the permanent bridge is ready, it will be fitted, adjusted, and cemented into place.

Fabrication of the Dental Bridge

Creating a dental bridge involves selecting the right materials and customizing it for your mouth:

Materials: Dental bridges can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination. The choice of material affects durability and aesthetics.
Customization: The bridge is created to match the color, shape, as well as the size of your original teeth, ensuring a natural look and comfortable fit.

Fitting and Adjustment

Proper fitting and adjustment are crucial for the comfort and functionality of your dental bridge. Here is what you need to know:

Initial Fitting: During the initial fitting, the dentist will place the bridge and check its alignment and bite.
Adjustments: Minor adjustments are made to ensure the tooth bridge fits comfortably and functions well. This may involve reshaping the bridge or the abutment teeth.

Final Placement

The final placement of the dental bridge involves securely fixing it in place:

Cementing or Bonding: The bridge is cemented or bonded to the abutment teeth or implants, ensuring it is secure and stable.
Ensuring Comfort: Your dentist will check to make sure the bridge feels comfortable and functions properly.

Post-Procedure Care and Recovery

Proper care and attention are essential after getting a dental bridge near you. Here’s how to manage your recovery effectively:

Immediate Aftercare Instructions

Pain Management: Take prescribed pain medications as instructed by your dentist to manage discomfort.
Avoid Pressure: Refrain from biting down directly on the bridge until it has fully settled and bonded.

Dietary Guidelines

Soft Foods: Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods initially to avoid stress on the new bridge.
Avoid Hard Foods: Say no to hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could dislodge or ruin the bridge.

Oral Hygiene Practices

Gentle Brushing: Utilize a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the bridge and surrounding teeth twice daily.
Flossing: Carefully floss around the bridge to remove food particles and plaque buildup.
Antibacterial Rinse: Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and prevent infection.

Long-Term Maintenance

Maintaining your dental bridge is important for its longevity and your oral health:

Protective Measures: If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), consider wearing a night guard to protect your dental bridge and natural teeth from excessive wear. Also, wear a mouthguard during sports activities to prevent accidental trauma to your bridge.
Regular Dental Exams: Go to your dentist at least every six months for professional cleaning examinations and to examine the condition of your dental bridge. Your dentist will check the bridge for any signs of wear, damage, or loosening and make adjustments as necessary.
Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products: Smoking can stain the bridge and increase the risk of gum disease and oral infections. Quitting smoking can significantly improve the longevity of your dental bridge.
Use Specialized Oral Care Products: Consider using dental products specifically designed for bridges, such as interdental brushes or floss threaders, to effectively clean hard-to-reach areas underneath the pontic.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

The benefits of dental bridges are significant for individuals looking to restore their smile, oral function, and overall dental health. Here are some key advantages:

Preservation of Tooth Alignment: By filling gaps, dental bridges deter remaining teeth from shifting out of position, maintaining proper bite alignment.
Durable and Long-lasting: With proper care, bridges can last a decade or more, providing a reliable solution for missing teeth.
Enhanced Oral Health: Bridges contribute to better oral hygiene as they make it easier to clean around and between teeth, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease.
Cost-effective Solution: Compared to some alternatives like implants, bridges for missing teeth offer a more affordable option for tooth replacement.
Minimally Invasive: Unlike dental implants, bridges generally require minimal alteration of adjacent teeth, making them a less invasive treatment option.

Conclusion

Getting a dental bridge is a pivotal step in preserving your oral health and beautifying your smile. From preparation to final placement, each step ensures your bridge fits perfectly and functions well. Proper care and regular dental check-ups are vital for maintaining your bridge and overall oral health. Dental bridges offer significant benefits, including improved chewing, speaking, and aesthetics. Ready to preserve your smile with a dental bridge? Contact Concord Dental Associates today to schedule your consultation and explore the best options for your oral health needs.

Back to Blog