Dental bridges in West Palm Beach can be a simple solution to tooth loss. Using the surrounding teeth as support, we can place a dental restoration requiring no surgery, extensive waiting times, and fewer aftercare instructions. For that reason, they’ve become a go-to solution for many patients.
However, before considering any treatment, understanding it in detail is crucial to determine if it is right for you. Here are some frequently asked questions about dental bridges that can help you learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
If you’re considering dental restoration, bridges stand out as an accessible and quick solution. But to understand this treatment, it can be crucial to ask yourself these questions:
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a long-term device that uses a pontic, or artificial tooth, to fill in the space left by a missing tooth or teeth. The abutment teeth (the natural teeth on either side of the missing space) usually have crowns placed on top to create the bridge. The pontic covers the lost tooth, which is cemented into place and bonded to the abutments.
Bridges can be fixed or removed. They work well for people who have lost teeth but still have healthy neighboring teeth to support them.
What Types of Dental Bridges Are There?
There are four main types of dental bridges.
- Traditional Dental Bridge: This is the most common type. It uses two healthy teeth on either side of the gap as anchors to hold the false tooth in place.
- Cantilever Dental Bridge: With these types of dental bridges, the pontic is supported by only one adjacent tooth rather than two. Cantilevers are useful for missing teeth in areas with low bite pressure (usually front teeth). They also help preserve more natural tooth structure, as only one tooth needs to be prepared.
- Maryland (Resin-Bonded) Dental Bridge: In this restoration, the pontic is attached to adjacent teeth with metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back. It requires minimal tooth preparation, protecting more of the natural structure, and it can be used for replacing front teeth.
- Implant-Supported Dental Bridge: These bridges use dental implants rather than natural teeth to support them. Implants act as artificial tooth roots, anchoring the bridge. They’re best for replacing multiple missing teeth, but they require sufficient bone density and surgery for placement.
What is the Process for Getting Dental Bridges?
One of the benefits of bridges is that they’re simpler and easier to get than other restorative options, like implants. The key steps of the bridge placement process include:
- Initial Consultation: We’ll start by evaluating the area of the missing tooth. This involves a visual examination alongside dental X-rays to assess your jawbone health.
- Tooth Preparation: Next, the abutment teeth (the teeth on either side of the gap) are shaped to prepare for the restoration. A small amount of enamel is removed to make room for the bridge’s crowns.
- Impressions: Your teeth are taken as impressions or digital scans to ensure a precise fit. Additionally, your dentist will perform a shade match test to ensure your new restoration is the same color as your natural teeth. This information is sent to a dental lab, where the permanent bridge is custom-made.
- Temporary Bridge Placement: A temporary bridge protects the exposed abutment teeth and allows you to eat comfortably while your permanent bridge is being fabricated. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks.
- Permanent Bridge Placement: Once the permanent bridge is ready, we’ll remove the temporary one and fit your permanent restoration. We‘ll check if your bite aligns properly and then cement it. Small adjustments may be necessary to ensure proper fit and comfort.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Bridges?
While it depends, most dental insurance plans cover bridges under major restorative services. However, they may not cover the entirety of the treatment. Coverage usually ranges from 40% to 80% of the cost, depending on the plan, whether you’ve met your deductible, and the remaining annual maximum benefits.
Additionally, you may still have out-of-pocket costs if you opt for premium materials like all-porcelain or zirconia.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
The lifespan of a dental bridge depends on several factors. The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that a dental bridge is not infallible. Similar to your natural teeth, a dental bridge’s lifespan can be significantly shortened if you neglect it or engage in behaviors like bruxism, or teeth grinding.
While many dentists predict that a bridge will last five to seven years on average, it may last longer or even a lifetime with the right maintenance.
How Can I Prevent My Dental Bridge From Getting Damaged?
Proper care habits can considerably improve the lifespan of your dental bridge.
Like normal teeth, your bridge is susceptible to cavities if you don’t brush and floss properly. The bridge’s artificial teeth may not be impacted by decay, but the abutment teeth can. Severe decay could affect the bridge’s attachment to these teeth, ultimately leading to failure.
Furthermore, blunt force can erode or shatter a bridge. Chewing on hard materials, such as ice, can put pressure on the dental bridge’s attachment to the abutment teeth. Additionally, grinding your teeth may put additional strain on the bridge.
The best ways to keep your bridge safe are to avoid chewing on hard foods and objects, be aware of the symptoms of grinding (such as migraines and jaw pain), and visit your dentist regularly.
When Do You Need to Replace a Dental Bridge?
If you have a dental bridge and notice it feels loose or different, don’t wait until your next dental appointment. Call us as soon as you notice anything amiss.
If your bridge is broken or damaged, we will do everything possible to fix or replace it as needed.
Get Dental Bridges in West Palm Beach with Confidence
Tooth loss is more than an aesthetic concern: it can be the triggering factor that puts your entire smile at risk. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding ones shift toward the available space, causing misalignment and bite issues.
Moreover, missing teeth can make it harder to eat and speak and can even affect your confidence in your grin over time. The team at CJ Dental is here to help you prevent these concerns. Together, we’ll explore all available options to restore your smile to optimal condition, so reach out!
