Porcelain Dental Bridge
East Dundee, IL
Porcelain Dental Bridges provided by Dr. Gregory M. Neu, DDS
in East Dundee, IL at Neu Family Dental
 A dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth that span the gap left by one or more missing teeth.
The pontic of a bridge is supported by crowns on either side of the gap, and it is all cemented into place.
What is a Dental Bridge?
If you are missing a single tooth, or several teeth, a dental bridge may be the solution for you. Tooth decay, gum disease, and injuries are the primary reasons for tooth loss.
It's also possible that you were born without teeth owing to a medical issue. Dental bridges are only possible when two unharmed teeth are on either side of the gap.
At Neu Family Dental, our dentists Dr. Neu and our doctors, will guide you through the process of dental bridges in further detail.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are different types of dental bridges. The one that is suitable for you depends on your treatment needs, the position and number of teeth you are missing, and your personal preference.
Standard Bridge
One or more dental crowns are joined to one or more pontic teeth in a conventional dental bridge.
Dental crowns are custom-made to fit over the two teeth on either side of the empty space and secure the dental bridge in place permanently.
Anchored Bridge Implants
An implant-supported bridge is similar to a regular bridge. These crowns are not meant to be affixed to your natural teeth but rather to the abutments of two dental implants.
Maryland Bonded Bridge
A Maryland-bonded bridge is cemented into place without the need for dental crowns by bonding metal wires to the teeth on either side of the gap with composite resin.
Cantilever Bridge
Dental bridges with a single anchor point are called cantilever bridges. When one or more teeth are missing at the very end of a row, a bridge might be used to fill the gap.
How Does a Dental Bridge Work?
Your abutment teeth will be reduced in size during the dental bridge treatment, after which dental impressions and models will be made to fabricate your new dental bridge.
With some minor adjustments to your teeth, the crowns can be made to fit properly, and then cemented into place. Once your smile has been restored, they will secure your new teeth in place.
Are Dental Bridges Permanent?
Dental bridges typically last between five and 15 years before they need to be replaced, and that's with the best of care. A consistent at-home oral hygiene regimen of brushing and flossing helps your bridge last longer.
The bridge could become broken or unsecured at any time. If decay has set in beneath your bridge or has caused damage to the teeth on either side, your bridges might get loose or, worse, damaged.
How Do You Maintain a Dental Bridge?
You can show off your bright new smile with confidence as soon as the bridge is completely bonded into place. To keep your new restoration looking and feeling fantastic for years to come, follow a few easy instructions:
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
Tartar and plaque can form on the teeth and gums. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush twice a day to keep your teeth healthy.
This will get rid of irritants and maintain a good balance of microorganisms in the mouth. Avoid whitening pastes since their abrasiveness could potentially harm the bridge.
Floss Every Day
Your entire bridge is supported by the surrounding natural teeth. There is a danger of losing your repair if they are damaged.
Therefore, providing the best possible care for them is crucial. Make sure to floss your natural teeth at least once a day.
Clean Below the Bridge
Be sure to clean below the bridge regularly. Get rid of food and debris from the area between your bridge and gums after you've finished brushing and flossing. Using tools like floss threaders and toothpicks can help.
Attend Routine Checkups
Everyone has to have their teeth checked and cleaned regularly. However, if you have a dental bridge or other sorts of restorations, you must be much more vigilant.
Twice a year checkups are optimal for most people. However, if you are prone to gum disease, decay, or other dental disorders, you must have more frequent dental examinations.
How to Clean Dental Bridge
Brushing
You should brush your teeth twice a day. You still need to brush and care for your dental bridges as if they were real teeth.
Quit Any Bad Dental Habits
Sugar causes tooth decay; therefore, you must avoid sweet drinks and sugary foods. Eating too many acidic foods and drinks can wear down tooth enamel and cause tooth discoloration.
Moreover, avoid bad oral habits to maintain your bridges and keep them strong.
Floss Once a Day
Flossing is not only crucial for the teeth, but it's also essential for dental bridges. It is vital to floss at least once a day because food can easily become trapped under them. Use lighter floss if you have dental bridges placed.
Care for the Area Beneath Dental Bridges
Food often gets stuck beneath a dental bridge; thus, cleaning underneath it is crucial.
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Use dental picks instead of traditional toothpicks since they are gentler on the gums and teeth than traditional toothpicks due to their rubber tips.
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You can also use a waterpik to reach under your dental bridges, a hard-to-reach location that needs regular cleaning.
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To remove food and plaque lodged in the mouth and between the teeth, some people use waterpiks, which are small devices that spray focused jets of water in the mouth and between the teeth.
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You can also use interproximal brushes, which are special contraptions meant to clean gaps between the teeth. Due to their compact size and ergonomic form, they are ideal for reaching the areas under dental bridges that are usually inaccessible to regular dental floss. |
Schedule Your East Dundee Dental Bridge Appointment Today!
If you're missing one or more teeth in a row, a dental bridge might be the perfect treatment choice.
Call (847) 230-9143 and our dentist Dr. Neu will guide you through the process and help you find out more about restoring the appearance and health of your smile. |
