Long-lasting and very comfortable, dental bridges make a great solution for both restorative and cosmetic dental issues. A bridge will improve oral health and make your smile more confident, too.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A fixed, long-lasting restoration, a dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth in your mouth. The bridge will look and function comfortably, just like your natural teeth. Bridges are custom created to fit your mouth by your dentist. Some can be permanently attached through the use of implants to anchor your bridge.
A bridge consists of two crowns and a replacement tooth or teeth. The crowns are placed on the teeth on either side of the space where a tooth or teeth are missing, with the fabricated tooth or teeth attached between them.
Rather than relying on your own teeth, the most secure and permanent way to place a dental bridge in your mouth is by using dental implants. This provides a natural look and feel. And, the stability of implants used to support bridges make for a very effective solution when replacing multiple missing teeth.
Using dental implants to support the dental bridge instead provides stable, permanent placement that helps to support the teeth around the bridge, and helps the continued health of your gum and bones. Using a dental implant instead of your own teeth will prevent any excess strain or weakening on your own teeth for better oral health overall.
A stable, supportive implant-supported bridge is simply a better method for a number of reasons, including the fact that dental implants work to replace tooth roots in the mouth through the use of durable titanium alloy.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings from your dental team, dental bridges can last more than 10 years. Certain types of bridges, such as implant supported bridges, will last considerably longer than that, in fact, implant supported bridges can last a lifetime.
Simply use good oral hygiene, and avoid biting your nails or using your teeth as tools to open things when you are wearing a bridge, just as you should avoid doing to protect your own teeth and prevent any chips or cracks.
So, How Long Does It Take a Dental Bridge to Feel Natural?
After you receive your dental bridge, you may experience some soreness or changes in how your bite feels. You may also feel some tooth sensitivity. But this adjustment period for your bridge usually takes no more than two weeks. It’s a good idea during these few weeks to avoid extremely hot or cold foods, and use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth during this adjustment period.
You might also want to consider taking an over-the-counter analgesic for the first few days for any discomfort the first few days after you receive your bridge.
Ready to Learn More about Dental Bridges?
If you’re ready to find out more about dental bridges, just reach out to us today. Our dental team is ready and waiting to answer questions, or schedule a consultation about dental bridge treatment.