Dental Bridges Delray Beach, FL
Replacement teeth such as dental bridges help return the form and function of the mouth after a tooth extraction or other kind of tooth loss. Effective treatment and dental care after tooth loss can help patients enjoy more natural eating and speaking. A dental bridge is a type of replacement tooth that fills in the gap between natural teeth, often by connecting to the remaining teeth on either side of it.
Dental bridges are available at R & R Dentistry PA in Delray Beach and the surrounding area. If you have missing teeth or are expecting to undergo an extraction, do not wait to address the problem. A dental bridge may not only restore the appearance of the smile but also make daily life more comfortable. Call (561) 330-5188 to schedule an appointment and learn more.
Understanding What a Dental Bridge Can Do for You
A dental bridge is a partial set of replacement teeth, usually made from porcelain that looks and feels like natural teeth. There are several types of dental bridges, but most connect to the abutting natural teeth to hold them in place. This helps prevent the rotating and shifting that can be brought on by gaps in the mouth left by missing teeth. Bridge work is typically designed to be a permanent addition to the mouth and is not removable. Dental bridges require healthy surrounding teeth or implants to have enough bone support.
With proper care, dental bridges can last for close to ten years. Dentists recommend patients brush and least twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush. It is important to floss daily around the teeth and bridge and use an antiseptic mouth rinse. Your dentist may recommend a proxabrush to clean under your bridge. Patients who have bridgework are also advised to avoid tobacco products and hard sticky items like caramel.
“A dental bridge is a partial set of replacement teeth, usually made from porcelain that looks and feels like natural teeth.”
Candidates for Dental Bridges
To receive a dental bridge, the patient needs to have some remaining natural teeth. In general, dental bridges are appropriate for cases of one or a few missing teeth. If the patient is missing a large portion of the arch, another treatment may be preferable.During a consultation, we can go over possible options and see which one will be most effective for the patient.
Since it can take up to six months for the gum to heal completely, an individual may experience a delay in receiving a dental bridge. Additionally, a bridge may not be an option if there are insufficient bone and tooth matter to support it. R & R Dentistry PA can evaluate whether a patient is a candidate for this treatment. In some cases, a dental bridge may only be part of a treatment plan or smile makeover.
“In general, dental bridges are appropriate for cases of one or a few missing teeth.”
Dental Bridge Types
There are four major types of dental bridges. Three of them use different mechanisms to attach to the abutting teeth. The fourth type connects to the jawbone via an implant.
- Traditional. A traditional bridge is a combination of one or more replacement teeth with crowns on either side. It is necessary to grind down the abutment teeth slightly. The crowns are placed over the natural teeth and cemented in place.
- Cantilever. This is similar to a traditional bridge but used when there is only a single abutment tooth. It uses a cantilever design to secure the bridge in place from a single point.
- Maryland. The Maryland dental bridge also connects to the adjacent teeth. However, it has a metal framework that bonds to the inside of the natural teeth with resin, avoiding the need for crowns on the abutment teeth.
- Implant-Supported. Some bridges are implant-supported. They connect directly to the jawbone with dental implants, small metal studs that replicate natural tooth roots. Typically, there is one implant placed per replacement tooth.
“There are four major types of dental bridges.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Bridges in Delray Beach, FL
Dental Bridges Versus Dentures
One alternative to a dental bridge is a set of partial dentures. These can replace one or a few teeth similarly. However, unlike dental bridges, the dentures are not permanently placed but are removed for cleaning and sleeping.
Eating and speaking can feel more comfortable with dental bridges than with dentures, as dental bridges are more firmly rooted in place. Furthermore, you must remove dentures to clean them, whereas you can brush dental bridges like natural teeth. However, according to the American Dental Association, cleaning dental bridges may require extra care to ensure the health of the gum beneath the replacement teeth.
“Dental bridges are more firmly rooted in place than dentures, which can make eating and speaking easier.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Am I a good candidate for a dental bridge?
Q. What are the different types of dental bridges?
Q. What are the differences between dental bridges and dentures?
Q. What are the benefits of dental bridges?
People Also Ask
Q. How can a dentist replace missing teeth?
Q. What is involved in getting a fixed bridge?
Q. What is it like to go through the process of receiving a dental crown?
Q. What is restorative dentistry?
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can be an effective treatment for missing teeth. Our team recommends this option to patients who are candidates and want to restore the form and function of their mouths. These are a few of the benefits:
- Emulate Natural Teeth: The porcelain teeth on a dental bridge look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They are stable in the mouth. Therefore, they are similar to natural teeth when eating and speaking.
- Allow Brushing: Patients can clean dental bridges in the mouth, unlike with removable dentures, meaning they can brush and floss like normal. Maintaining this familiar process can make care more manageable.
- Provide Value: Compared to implants, dental bridges are less expensive. They may cost more than removable dentures. Many patients find that they provide a healthy balance between cost and effectiveness.
- Perform Effectively: Missing teeth may produce embarrassment and make speaking and eating more challenging. They may also slowly erode the jawbone over time. A dental bridge is an effective way to overcome these issues.
“Dental bridges can be an effective treatment for missing teeth.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I care for my dental bridge?
A. According to the Oral Health Foundation, dental bridge patients should continue to care for their teeth as usual. They should brush at least twice a day, floss, and use mouthwash. Take special care to clean thoroughly around the bridge and along the gumline.
Q. How can I adjust my bridge?
A. Do not attempt to adjust a dental bridge at home. The dentist can make modifications to ensure the bridge fits comfortably in the mouth, which may involve changing the shape of the bridge to follow the gum more closely.
Q. Does it hurt to get a dental bridge?
A. Depending on the type of bridge, there may be some discomfort. However, anesthesia or sedation is usually involved in such procedures. In any case, any discomfort tends to be easily manageable and short-lived.
Q. How many appointments will I need to get a dental bridge?
A. In most cases, at least two appointments are necessary. The first is a consultation and measurement, and the second is the placement of the bridge. More appointments may be necessary, depending on the need for adjustments.
Q. How long will my dental bridge last?
A. With proper care, a dental bridge should last five to seven years. Some modern bridges last even longer, upwards of 10 years. Good daily hygiene and regular dental visits can help extend the life of a dental bridge.
Scan here to view this page, Dental Bridges, on mobile
Dental Terminology
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2023
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2023
About our business, license, and website security
- R & R Dentistry PA was established in 2004.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Palm Beach County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Kings Point, Highland Beach, West Boca, West Delray, and Lake Worth
- FL (License #DN24118). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1417515743). View NPI Registry Information
- Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to R & R Dentistry PA on mobile
Back to top of Dental Bridges
Related Posts
When Is A Dental Bridge Recommended To Replace A Missing Tooth?
A dental bridge is one of the tooth replacement options a dentist might recommend to restore missing teeth and a patient's smile. Regardless of the cause of tooth loss—injury, tooth decay, or an oral health condition—tooth loss can make eating inconvenient and even affect a patient's confidence. Once in place, a dental bridge will improve…
Dental Bridges Can Replace Missing Teeth
If an individual is missing a few teeth, dental bridges can help. Missing teeth can be due to a variety of reasons. Bridges are fixed prosthetics that can help solve the gap of missing teeth. They are an excellent option for individuals who may not need a complete set of dentures, as they are only…
Foods To Avoid With Dental Crowns
While the cost of dental crowns is usually covered by insurance, getting a crown can still be an expensive and time-consuming process. Once the crown is in place, it can be tempting to forget about it and continue your normal habits, but not being mindful of your tooth restoration could lead to you having to…
The Connection Between Bleeding Gums And Plaque
One of the most common indicators of dental troubles is bleeding gums. Patients often first notice bleeding while brushing and flossing their teeth. Some people may not realize the significance of this symptom, however. It is important for dental patients who notice any bleeding in the gums following brushing or flossing of the teeth to…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call R & R Dentistry PA on mobile