Dental procedures have evolved impressively to create treatments that are more effective and less invasive than ever before! One such treatment is called a “bridge”—an uncomplicated procedure that many have felt saves their smile and their comfort. Here is what a dental bridge is and what it can do for you!
Why would I need a bridge?
Say you’ve lost a tooth—whether in an accident or due to decay or whatever other reason—and you are left with a substantial gap where the tooth used to be. This is more damaging to the rest of your teeth than you may realize… without the support of the tooth that used to be there, the teeth on either side have nothing to keep them from shifting into the open space, eventually misaligning your teeth. Furthermore, those surrounding teeth that lack the support the now-missing tooth once gave are forced to take on the pressure that it would have, which means faster deterioration and more exposure to more pressure. Therefore, dentists put in a “bridge” to fill that gap, thereby solving that issue of displaced pressure and open space.
What is a dental bridge?
A bridge is made from two caps, put on the teeth on either side of the gap, which attach to a false tooth in between that fills the space. Each of these elements allows your bridge to remain permanently in place, and provides the support for your jaw, teeth and gums that will help your smile stay straight! Often, dental bridges are made with metals that are durable enough to do this kind of job for decades with little wear—metals like chromium, palladium, silver or nickel or gold.
How do I care for a dental bridge?
Caring for your bridge, giving it some extra attention, will ensure that it remains healthy and helpful for those decades that the material stays durable and effective. Make sure that you carefully floss around the bridge so that bacteria doesn’t sneak through and damage the teeth under the caps. Attend your dental checkups regularly to assess for any potential issues, and make sure you are diligent with your general dental health!
Even with these durable materials, after a decade or so you may want to evaluate its health and safety. If for whatever reason you choose to have the bridge replaced with newer material, you can sell the metal from the old bridge to CrownBuyers for cash! Let us make your original procedure even more valuable to you, today.