Dental bridges can fill gaps left by one or multiple teeth. Bridges are made of crowns on either side of the missing tooth or teeth that support the false teeth in between. It is important to have healthy teeth on either side of the missing ones, as those teeth act as an anchor for the bridge. Depending on your oral health, you may be a candidate for partial dentures or dental implants as a tooth replacement option as well. Dental bridges look and feel natural and can be a great way to restore the appearance of your smile.
The lifetime of a dental bridge depends on how well they are taken care of. Most dental bridges last 10 to 15 years. However, with excellent dental care dental bridges can last longer. This includes brushing and flossing every day and maintaining regular dental checkups. Once a dental bridge reaches the end of its life, it will need to be replaced with a new bridge or a different tooth replacement option.
You will clean your dental bridges in the same way that you clean your real teeth - by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. We recommend that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste to protect the bridge and strengthen natural tooth enamel, reducing the risk of decay.
It's also important to clean underneath the middle of your bridge. You can clean under the bridge with a piece of super floss, with the help of a floss threader, or you can use a water pick. Using a fluoride or antibacterial mouthwash once a day can also help prevent decay on the dental bridge.
Yes, we can make adjustments to dental bridges! After you receive your dental bridge, it can take a while to get used to how it feels. However, if you have persistent discomfort with your dental bridge, you should contact your dentist so that the bridge can be adjusted. If the dental bridge is causing issues with your bite, it can cause tooth damage and chronic jaw pain. It's important to get your dental bridges adjusted as soon as you notice that there is an issue with them.
If you have additional questions about dental bridges, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.
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