What is a dental bridge?

Most people plan to keep their teeth their whole lives. However, when that becomes impossible, they find themselves trying to decide what to do next. A dental bridge is a very popular procedure used to protect your remaining teeth and gums after you lose a tooth. A dental bridge fits over the teeth on either side of a missing tooth and fills in the gap. A dental bridge helps save your remaining teeth and your smile.

What does a dental bridge look like?

A good dental bridge will look like your natural teeth when it’s installed. When placed in a clearly visible location, the color is made to match the color of your natural teeth. This keeps your smile looking natural as well.  It will be difficult to notice any signs that you have a dental bridge, especially with just a casual glance. The “floating” tooth isn’t obvious. Because the cap extends to the gum line, it helps the dental bridge blend in perfectly.

How does a dental bridge work?

When you lose a tooth, it throws the balance of your mouth off.  The teeth on either side of the missing tooth will take more stress as they take up the workload of the missing tooth. This makes them more likely to break. On the other hand, the tooth in the other jaw that corresponded with the missing tooth might become loose due to lack of use.

A dental bridge works by providing you with a new, permanent surface to chew on. It protects your remaining teeth from stress, along with wear and tear. It also protects your gums from having food ground or stabbed into them.  A dental bridge works by attaching two caps to the teeth on either side of the gap. These teeth will have to be shaped and ground, and then the caps placed over them. Each of these two caps supports one side of a “floating” or “floater” cap, which is not connected to the gum line beneath it. Because the cap extends all the way to the gum line, it closely resembles a natural tooth. Moreover, it helps provide a chewing surface for your opposite tooth. It protects your gums while giving you a natural looking smile. A dental bridge takes the sting out of losing a tooth.

How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?

The lifespan of a dental bridge depends largely on how well it’s taken care of. Good oral hygiene and regular trips to the dentist must occur if you want your dental bridge to last as long as possible. On average, the lifespan of a dental bridge is between five and fifteen years. Bridges last longer when you take exceptional care of them. However, they can also break due to neglect, or simply bad luck.

A dental bridge is designed to fill in the gap when you lose a tooth. This protects your teeth from further wear and tear. It also restores a natural appearance to your smile. If you have a gap in your teeth, contact us today to see if a bridge could solve your problems. At Ross Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our experienced staff understand the importance and value of establishing and preserving