Dental Bridges in Jackson, MI | Oral Bridge
In Jackson, MI, dental bridges are designed to “bridge” or fill the gap where a patient has lost a tooth. The bridge comprises a false tooth anchored by dental crowns attached to the teeth on either side of the tooth gap, replacing the missing tooth with a prosthetic. This apparatus restores oral health and function to the patient. If you miss one or more permanent teeth, contact Dr. Mark McFerran at Summit Pointe Dental to determine if you would benefit from a dental bridge.
What Are the Benefits of a Dental Bridge?
When our dentist in Jackson, MI, designs a dental bridge for patients with a missing tooth, this procedure has many therapeutic benefits. Here are some of the ways patients benefit from a dental bridge:
- Restores aesthetics of a patient’s smile
- Restores the patient’s ability to eat and chew properly
- Restores speech and pronunciation abilities
- It helps maintain the alignment of a patient’s bite and the shape of the face
- It prevents surrounding teeth from shifting in the mouth
Our dentist near you will ensure a proper fit for your dental bridge and make any adjustments for your comfort.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
It’s important to take proper care of your dental bridge to remain effective. For example, patients should avoid chewing on foods that could dislodge or damage their bridge structure. These foods include sticky candy, ice, and certain raw vegetables. In addition, patients with bridges should practice excellent oral hygiene habits to avoid tooth decay and periodontal disease. These habits include a daily brushing and flossing regimen to protect the health of teeth and gums.
Maintaining regular appointments for exams and cleanings is another important part of caring for your dental bridge. This allows Dr. Mark McFerran to assess your oral health and how your bridge fits and functions. Of course, any time you have difficulty with your bridge, it’s essential to make an appointment as soon as possible. For more information about dental bridges near you, contact our team at Summit Pointe Dental.
FAQs
Dental bridges are frequently used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge works by filling the space created by the missing teeth with artificial teeth. These artificial teeth are supported by crowns that are fixed on the healthy teeth adjacent to the gap. This restores both the look and function of your smile, enabling you to chew, speak, and smile with confidence once more.
When your tooth is lost, it can impact your ability to chew properly, affect your speech, and even change the shape of your face. A dental bridge assists in filling that gap, preventing your other teeth from shifting out of place. It's not just about looks—it's also about keeping your bite properly aligned and maintaining overall oral health.
With good care, dental bridges can last quite a long time—often between 5 to 15 years and sometimes even longer. The key is maintaining good oral hygiene, such as everyday brushing and flossing, and visiting your dentist for check-ups. Factors like the materials used and how well you care for your bridge will influence its longevity.
Dental bridges are designed to blend in perfectly with your natural teeth. They're custom-made to match perfectly the color, shape, and size of your adjacent teeth, so they look very natural. Once in place, most people won't even be able to tell that you have a bridge. They are crafted to feel and look just like your own teeth, ensuring a seamless smile.
Dental bridges can be prepared from a few different materials. Common options include porcelain, ceramic, gold, and metal alloys. Porcelain and ceramic are popular because they can be well-matched to the color of your natural teeth, making them look more natural. Metal bridges, on the other hand, are known for their durability, especially in areas where there is a lot of chewing pressure.
The materials used for dental bridges can vary based on many factors, like the location of the missing tooth and your personal preferences. Porcelain fused to metal, all-ceramic, and all-metal (such as gold) are common choices. Porcelain and ceramic bridges are aesthetically pleasing, while metal bridges offer superior strength and longevity.
Dental bridges are typically anchored to the healthy teeth next to the gap, which are called abutments. These abutment teeth are capped with crowns, and the bridge is attached to these crowns. Sometimes, bridges can also be supported by dental implants. The bridge is then cemented in place, providing a secure and stable replacement for your missing tooth or teeth.
A dental bridge works by literally bridging the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It's anchored in place either by natural teeth or implants on any side of the gap. This not only restores your smile but also helps you chew and speak properly. Plus, it prevents other teeth from moving out of their normal position, keeping your mouth healthy and aligned.
There are a few different types of dental bridges: traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland bonded bridges, and implant-supported bridges. Traditional bridges are among the most common and involve crowns on both sides of the gap. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side. Maryland bridges use a framework bonded to your existing teeth, and implant-supported bridges are anchored by implants.
The type of cement used for dental bridges can vary, but most often, dentists use resin-modified glass ionomer cement or composite resin cement. These materials provide strong bonds, and some added benefits, like fluoride release, to help prevent decay. The choice of cement can depend on the type of bridge, the material it's made from, and your specific dental needs.
You can have multiple dental bridges in your mouth if needed. The number of bridges depends on the number of missing teeth and the health of the remaining teeth or implants that will support them. It's essential to have enough healthy anchor teeth or implants to ensure that the bridges are stable and functional.
Taking care of your dental bridge is really essential for its durability and for maintaining good oral health. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day utilizing a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Don't forget to clean around the bridge daily with the help of a floss threader or an interdental brush to clear away food debris and plaque. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can also assist in keeping the area around the bridge healthy and clean.
You might need an implant-supported bridge if you're missing multiple teeth in a row and don't have enough healthy teeth to well support a traditional bridge. Implants provide a strong foundation for the bridge and can help maintain the structure of your jawbone. They're a great option if you're looking for a long-lasting, stable solution that mimics the feel and function of natural teeth.
The dental bridge procedure typically takes two appointments. During the first visit, the dentist near you will prepare the abutment teeth by properly reshaping them and making impressions to create the custom bridge. A temporary bridge is often placed until the permanent one is ready. For your second visit, the temporary bridge has been removed, and the new one has been fitted, adjusted, and cemented.
An implant-supported bridge offers excellent stability and durability. Unlike traditional bridges, which rely on neighboring teeth for support, implant-supported bridges are anchored directly to the jawbone, preserving the health of surrounding teeth. They look and work like natural teeth, providing better comfort, enhanced chewing ability, and a more natural appearance, often lasting many years with proper care.