Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. For example, you might feel self-conscious about changes in your abilities or struggle to eat or speak normally, which can leave you feeling embarrassed.
If you’ve lost one or several teeth consecutively, your dentist might recommend rebuilding your smile with a dental bridge. But you must care for your prosthetic correctly to keep it in good condition. Continue reading to learn more about this popular treatment and how to avoid potential failure!
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is an oral appliance that contains the correct number of pontics, or artificial teeth, to close the space in your smile. They include a dental crown on each side that anchors to healthy abutment teeth or specially placed dental implants on each side of the gap in your grin. This provides them with enough strength and stability to replace one to four missing teeth in a row.
These restorations are typically made from durable ceramic and can be customized to match the size, color, and shape of your natural teeth for seamless results. Not only that, but they’re often durable enough to last 15+ years when properly maintained.
What Can Cause a Dental Bridge to Fail?
Your new teeth aren’t made from the same organic components as your natural enamel, so you don’t need to worry that they’ll develop decay. However, you must continue to clean your mouth consistently to prevent bacteria from penetrating the underlying teeth or connective tissues. This can result in cavities or gum disease that destabilize or dislodge your dental bridge.
You might also harm it by eating too many hard, sticky, or crunchy foods, chewing inanimate objects like pen caps or fingernails, or by grinding your teeth at night. Whatever the cause, it’s important to contact your dentist sooner rather than later to repair or replace your prosthetics to avoid harming your smile.
How Can I Preserve My Restoration?
Thankfully, there are several proactive ways you can maintain your dental bridge and potentially extend its longevity, including:
- Implementing an at-home dental hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing twice daily removes problematic plaque and bacteria.
- Schedule routine exams. Seeing your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning allows them to monitor your oral health and address any issues, like a loose dental bridge, before it worsens.
- Watch what you eat. Avoiding harmful options, like sticky or hard foods and candies, can help preserve your new teeth.
If you have additional questions about the condition of your dental bridge or how to keep it in excellent shape, the best way to get accurate information is to schedule an appointment with your dentist!
About the Practice
At Brush Country Dental Center, you and your family benefit from two providers eager to help you build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Dr. Pruski is an accomplished dentist and she collaborates with Dr. Hosseini, an in-house periodontist, to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs under one roof. They utilize advanced technology for comfortable, lifelike restorations, including dental bridges. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (830) 569-2500.