Dental Bridges at Boulder Canyon Dental
Hi, I'm Dr. Amy here at Boulder Canyon Dental, and today I'm going to go over a lot of common questions we get about dental bridge work.
Dr. Amy, what is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is simply two crowns that are covering natural teeth with a false crown in between. To anyone looking in your mouth and when you're chewing, it acts just like a natural tooth.
What is the difference between a bridge and dentures?
The biggest difference between a dental bridge and dentures is that dentures can be removed from the mouth, whereas a bridge is fixed and glued onto those teeth. You're not having to take it in and out.
What are the pros and cons of dental bridges?
The pros of dental bridges are the ability to restore something beautiful where a tooth is missing. They also provide great functionality, ensuring the biting forces are evenly dispersed on the teeth.
The biggest con of a dental bridge is the need for more thorough cleaning compared to natural teeth or an implant. Another significant con is that if there's any future cavity on one of those teeth, you may need to replace the entire bridge instead of just treating a single tooth.
What are the different types of dental bridges?
There are several different types of dental bridges, including Maryland bridges, which consist of a single crown with one false crown hanging off it.
There's also the traditional type, which involves two stable crowns over teeth with the false one in between.
We've also had various ones where we cover three natural teeth to replace four missing teeth, so it's really dependent on the patient's needs.
What are alternatives to a dental bridge?
Alternatives to a dental bridge would be something removable like a denture or a better option, which would be a dental implant.
What is a removable dental bridge versus a fixed dental bridge?
A removable dental bridge typically has a lot of metal work around the teeth. It's something you can eat with, but it requires more maintenance in terms of cleaning outside the mouth.
A fixed dental bridge is in your mouth all the time, just like a dental crown. You don't really think about it. It's also much more aesthetic and looks prettier when you're talking to people.
What is a canaliever dental bridge?
A cantilever dental bridge refers to a single crown sitting over a natural tooth with a false crown sitting behind it. We often do this in the front teeth when the two side ones are missing because they're small teeth, and it's easier to clean with only one tooth off the edge.
What are the benefits of a dental bridge?
The benefits of a dental bridge include preventing the movement of other teeth. Anytime there's a space in the mouth, the rest of your teeth want to take up that space. A dental bridge ensures everything stays aligned, keeping your bite nice and comfortable. It's also very aesthetic. Nobody wants to have a big space or gap in their teeth, so it fills it with beautiful white ceramic.
Is dental bridge work painful?
Dental bridge work is not typically painful. You would be numb before the process even starts, just like a filling or regular crown procedure. We are able to do most of these in a single visit at our office, just like a typical crown.
What does a dental bridge placement procedure involve?
A dental bridge placement procedure involves first numbing the area, then preparing the teeth by removing all of the outer enamel so that we can fit the new porcelain restoration on top. There's some downtime while we're making it in-house, and then we glue it on with a permanent restoration glue, allowing you to leave and eat right away.
How long does a dental bridge last?
A dental bridge can last anywhere from 3 to 20 to 30 years. It's really dependent on the patient and their oral hygiene. It's important to keep up with regular dental visits because these bridges are not as easy to clean as natural teeth. We want to make sure we're seeing you at least every six months, sometimes more often, and that you're brushing and flossing every day.
How should I care for my dental bridge?
You should care for your dental bridge the same way you care for your natural teeth, which means brushing and flossing daily. Instead of sliding the floss between the teeth, on a dental bridge, all of those crowns are connected. You'll be provided with a floss threader. Similar to sewing, you slide it underneath that false crown, move it side to side, and you're done.
When should I schedule an appointment for my dental bridge?
As soon as you're ready to schedule your dental bridge, we would love to have you call us at Boulder Canyon Dental. You should schedule your appointment as soon as you notice a missing tooth. The faster we can get that dental bridge on those adjacent teeth, the more likely you are to maintain a comfortable bite and the ideal position of the teeth around that space.
At Boulder Canyon Dental, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (970) 514-0662 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.