At Rebol Family Dentistry, we are happy to help our patients who have suffered from tooth loss restore their smiles using our tooth replacement options. One of our tooth replacement options is a dental bridge. Dental bridges cosmetically replace one or more missing teeth while also improving the functionality of your smile following tooth loss.
Missing teeth can have a detrimental impact on the overall health of your dental structures, increasing your risk for developing chronic jaw pain or TMJ disorders over time. This is why we recommend our patients pursue tooth replacement options for their missing teeth sooner rather than later. Learn more about dental bridges below.
Dental Bridges in Asheville, NC
Dr. Rebol is your experienced restorative dentist in Asheville, NC. He provides comprehensive and compassionate care to patients who have experienced tooth loss. Dental bridges are an affordable and efficient method of tooth replacement. Supported by your surrounding teeth, the bridge hardware holds a prosthetic tooth in place of your missing tooth.
Patients enjoy dental bridges because they can often be accomplished within just two appointments. Additionally, they do not require a surgical procedure as dental implants do. With dental bridges, patients can achieve a smile restoration while also remaining budget-conscious.
Dental bridges can be used to effectively restore your smile following tooth loss. However, there are several recommended lifestyle alterations that patients need to be aware of with this option. Because the bridge hardware is exposed, you will need to avoid eating excessively crunchy or chewy foods.
This is because foods that are difficult to chew may damage the exposed hardware over time and significantly decrease the longevity of your restoration. Additionally, patients will need to learn how to brush and floss around and underneath the dental bridge. Food residue can get caught in the bridge hardware and increase the risk of infection.
Removable Dental Bridges
A removable bridge is a classic option for dental bridges. Dental crowns go over the anchor teeth on either side of the bridge. They support the bridge and minimize the amount of stress on your actual teeth. A removable bridge completes your smile but doesn’t give you back full functionality. You should avoid things like biting into an apple if you have a removable bridge.
This type of bridge also requires extra maintenance. You have to take out the bridge to clean it properly. You should avoid sleeping in a removable bridge, too. A removable bridge irritates your gums and soft tissue when it’s worn for long periods of time. Typically, we suggest removable bridges as temporary solutions while patients are waiting for a permanent restoration.
Fixed Dental Bridges
A fixed dental bridge is a permanent solution for your missing teeth. Typically, dental implants support fixed bridges at both ends. Using dental implants allows them to take on the brunt of the stress of supporting a bridge, with no cost to your natural teeth. Dental implants have the added benefit of stopping bone deterioration so that you don’t need to replace or readjust your dental bridge in the future.
Removable bridges are cheaper and the process is quicker than a fixed bridge. However, fixed bridges last for life. You get back 100% of your bite function and can eat a full, varied diet. We recommend implant-supported bridges whenever a patient is eligible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more about bridges? Our office is here to help. We welcome you to read answers to common questions about dental bridges in our Asheville, NC, office.
What are the common types of dental bridges?
Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the gap with artificial teeth. There are several common types of dental bridges:
- Cantilever Bridge: This type of bridge is supported by a tooth on only one side of the gap. It’s often used when there are teeth on just one side of the missing tooth.
- Maryland Bridge: Also called a resin-bonded bridge, this bridge uses metal or porcelain wings attached to the back of neighboring teeth for support. It’s less invasive because it doesn’t require as much reshaping of the nearby teeth.
- Traditional Bridge: The most common type. It uses crowns on the teeth next to the gap to hold the artificial tooth or teeth in place. Traditional bridges are very strong and durable.
- Implant Bridge: Instead of using natural teeth for support, this bridge is held in place by dental implants. It’s a great option for replacing multiple missing teeth and can last a long time with proper care.
Our office recommends traditional or implant bridges for most patients.
Can I get a dental bridge if I have gum disease?
If you have gum disease, you usually need to treat it before getting a dental bridge. Healthy gums are important because they help support the teeth or implants that hold the bridge in place. Treating gum disease first makes sure your bridge lasts longer and reduces the risk of problems like infections or the bridge becoming loose. We’ll check your gums and recommend the best treatment plan before placing a bridge.
How long does it take to get used to a bridge?
Most people get used to a dental bridge within a few days to a couple of weeks. At first, your mouth might feel a little different, and you may notice slight changes when chewing or speaking. This is normal. As you adjust, your tongue and jaw will get used to the bridge, and it will start to feel natural. Following our dentist’s instructions for care and eating can help you adapt more quickly.
Can a bridge improve how I speak and chew?
Yes. Missing teeth can make it hard to bite and chew certain foods. Gaps left by missing teeth can affect how you pronounce some words. A dental bridge fills in those gaps, restoring your bite so you can eat more comfortably and speak clearly. Fixed or implant-supported bridges provide the most natural function, helping your mouth work like it did before tooth loss.
Do I need tooth preparation for an implant bridge?
No. Unlike a traditional bridge, which relies on your neighboring teeth for support, an implant bridge is anchored directly into the jawbone with dental implants. This means your natural teeth stay intact, and the implants hold the bridge securely in place. We’ll place the implants first. We’ll attach the bridge once they’re healed and stable.
How long does a bridge last?
The lifespan of a dental bridge depends on the type of bridge and how well you take care of it. Traditional bridges usually last 5 to 10 years because they rely on your natural teeth for support. Over time, the teeth holding the bridge can weaken or develop cavities, and the fit of the bridge may change as your gums and jawbone naturally shift.
Implant-supported bridges tend to last much longer, often 15 years or more, because the implants are anchored directly into your jawbone.
Schedule A Visit Today
Are you interested in learning more about your tooth replacement options, including dental bridges? Please schedule an appointment with our Asheville, NC dentists. We look forward to helping you restore your smile.