Aftercare Tips for Crowns and Bridges

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After spending the time and money to get a crown or bridge, you want your new dental appliance to last. These appliances are designed for long-term wear, but there are steps you can take to protect them even more. The after-care you receive and do at home will mean a big difference in how long these last.

Brush and Floss Regularly

The first thing to do is to brush and floss your teeth regularly, as you had been before. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, preferably with a toothpaste that contains fluoride, to keep them free of debris, then floss around the crown parts, keeping food from building up in between the teeth.

Eat Carefully

Some foods can damage your crown or bridge. Particularly hard or sticky foods are difficult. When you do have a time when you need or want to eat foods that are hard or sticky, chew carefully or try to chew on the side that does not have the crown so you can protect your appliance. Similarly, your dentist in Foley, AL, will recommend avoiding chewing non-food items, like your pen cap or fingernails, which could damage the crown.

Limit Sugar

The less sugar you eat, the better, not just for your crown, but also for your remaining teeth. Sugary foods and acidic foods lead to an increased risk of tooth decay, but you can limit this risk by limiting your consumption of them.

Get Regular Dental Checks

Finally, keep up with your twice-a-year dental checkups. You need to have a dentist in Foley, AL, to take a look regularly to ensure the crown and bridge are in good shape. You can schedule an appointment with Sand Dollar Dental if you are overdue for one of these checks.

Caring For a Dental Bridge Over Time

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If you had missing teeth and you got a dental bridge, you know all too well how great they are. They’re easier to care for than dentures, and easier to have “installed” than dental implants. Like Goldilocks’ adventure, a dental bridge is kind of “just right.” But if you want to maintain that fairytale experience, you need to learn how to properly care for your dental bridge in Foley, AL.

Keep up With Your Oral Hygiene

Maintaining oral hygiene is key to caring for a dental bridge. While the bridge itself cannot develop cavities, the natural teeth supporting it (called abutment teeth) are still vulnerable. Brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste, and pay close attention to the area around the bridge. Flossing is equally important—use a floss threader or a water flosser to clean underneath the bridge and between the supporting teeth. This helps remove food particles and plaque, preventing decay and gum disease.

Mind Your Food Habits

Your diet can also play a role in bridge care. Avoid excessively sticky or hard foods that might place undue stress on your dental bridge. We’re talking about things like peanut brittle, chewing on ice and so forth. These kinds of foods could damage the structure or maybe even loosen the cement holding it in place.

Keep Up With Your Dental Visits

Regular dental visits are essential for monitoring the condition of your bridge. You should certainly schedule an appointment with your dentist in Foley, AL if you think your bridge might be failing. A dental bridge can fail for a number of reasons, but it’s more easily corrected the sooner you get into the dentist’s chair.

By maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine, avoiding harmful foods and visiting your dentist regularly, you can keep your dental bridge in excellent condition. Proper care ensures that your bridge remains a durable and reliable part of your smile for years to come. Contact Sand Dollar Dental to learn more about dental bridges.

Your Questions About Dental Bridges Answered

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If you’re missing a permanent tooth, it’s important to fill the gap. Your missing tooth can lead to a range of problems including difficulty chewing and pronouncing certain sounds or words. A missing tooth can also impact your appearance and confidence.

There are many types of artificial teeth your dentist in Foley, AL, may recommend – including dental bridges. A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that can restore your smile after a permanent tooth goes missing. Below, we’ve listed some frequently asked questions about dental bridges, to help you decide if this type of prosthetic tooth is right for you.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that uses dental crowns to attach to the teeth on either side of the gap. The artificial tooth bridges the gap between these two teeth, and this is where dental bridges get their name.

Who Should Consider A Dental Bridge?

You may be a good candidate for a dental bridge if you’re missing a tooth and your other teeth are healthy. Your dentist can assess your dental health to determine whether you’re a good candidate. If you aren’t a good candidate for a dental bridge, your dentist may suggest another solution.

Why Replace A Missing Permanent Tooth?

A missing permanent tooth can cause many problems. In addition to the trouble eating and talking, a missing permanent tooth can cause a shift in your existing teeth, leading to issues like a misaligned jaw. Installing a bridge can prevent this from happening.

Need a Dental Bridge? Call Today

If you may be a good candidate for a dental bridge in Foley, AL, call your dentist today to make an appointment. We can help!

4 Tips to Maintain Your Dental Bridge

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Your dental bridge helps restore your smile. Keeping your dental bridge clean and in good condition can help your dental bridge last for as long as possible. When your dentist in Foley, AL installs your dental bridge, they’ll tell you more about how to maintain it. If you have questions about maintaining a dental bridge, this is what you need to know.

1. Clean Your Dental Bridge When You Brush

Clean your dental bridge when you brush your teeth. Use a soft bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid toothpastes that whiten or brighten, as these toothpastes can scratch your dental bridge.

Clean underneath your dental bridge as well. You can use thin floss or a proxabrush to get this done. Cleaning underneath your bridge helps to dislodge food particles that can get stuck between your bridge and your gums.

2. Don’t Chew Anything That Isn’t Food

Non-food items like pen caps and ice are too hard for your dental bridge. Chewing on these things can cause your bridge to become chipped or cracked. Avoid chewing anything that isn’t food once the dental bridge is installed.

3. Watch for Signs of Damage

Inspect your own dental bridge periodically. Watch for signs of a chip or crack. If you notice a problem, make an appointment with your dentist.

4. Go for Dental Cleanings Twice Annually

See your dentist twice per year for dental cleanings. During your appointment, your dentist will examine your dental bridge in Foley, AL. To make your dental appointment at Sand Dollar Dental, call today. We’re happy to help!

How Long Does it Take to Get a Dental Bridge?

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At Sand Dollar Dental, we’re committed to offering a range of treatment options for missing teeth, includingdental bridges in Foley, AL. Dental bridges are a solution for adults with one or more missing teeth. One of the most common questions we get from people in that situation is how long it takes to get a dental bridge. Read on to learn more about the process of getting a dental bridge, including the reasonable expected timeframe.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is an oral prosthetic, commonly called a bridge. It’s placed between two crowns to bridge the space created by a missing tooth. The pontic is the part in the gap, and the abutting teeth are on either side. Dental bridges are commonly made from ceramic or porcelain, both of which are cosmetically manufactured to look like natural teeth.

Process of Getting a Dental Bridge

The first step in getting a dental bridge is the initial consultation. During this visit, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, discuss your condition with you, and determine if a dental bridge is the best solution. If it is, the next step is preparing the abutting teeth. Depending on your individual circumstances, this may be done at the same appointment or at your next appointment.

Preparation of Abutting Teeth

To accommodate the bridge, the abutment teeth must be reshaped by removing a portion of their enamel. This step is typically done under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort.

Impressions and Temporary Bridge

Next, impressions of your teeth will be taken. These impressions will serve as a model for crafting your custom dental bridge. While the permanent bridge is being fabricated in a dental laboratory, your dentist may place a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums.

Final Placement

After about two to three weeks, your bridge will be ready for final placement. Your dentist will bond the dental bridge into position using dental cement and make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper fit and bite alignment.

Dental bridges offer restored function and improved appearance for adults with missing teeth. Please contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment with your dentist in Foley, AL.

Can I Wear A Bridge While Waiting For My Implant?

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Losing a tooth can be a distressing experience, and it’s natural to want a solution that restores your smile as soon as possible. Dental implants in Foley, AL are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth, but the process can take several months to complete. A common question that arises during this waiting period is whether you can wear a dental bridge to fill the gap temporarily.

Using a Temporary Bridge During the Implant Process

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a false tooth, called a pontic, to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. While waiting for your dental implant to heal, your dentist in Foley, AL might talk to you about wearing a temporary bridge to fill the gap and maintain your appearance.

In many cases, wearing a temporary bridge is possible, but it depends on the specific circumstances and the recommendations of your dentist. A removable partial denture, also known as a “flipper,” may be another viable option to consider. These temporary solutions can help you maintain your smile and speech while the implant process is underway.

Pros and Cons of Wearing a Bridge During the Implant Process

Wearing a temporary bridge or removable partial denture while waiting for your dental implant offers several benefits, including:

  • Improved appearance – Filling the gap in your smile can boost your confidence and maintain a more natural appearance.
  • Better functionality – A temporary solution can help with chewing and speaking, which can be affected by a missing tooth.

However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider:

  • Additional cost – A temporary bridge or partial denture may come with additional costs that may not be covered by dental insurance.
  • Potential complications – Depending on the location of the implant and the type of temporary restoration, there might be a risk of complications or damage to the healing implant site.

Wearing a bridge while waiting for your dental implant is a possibility, but it’s essential to discuss your options with your dentist. They will consider your individual circumstances and recommend the best course of action to ensure a successful and aesthetically pleasing result. Contact us for an appointment to discuss your dental implant options.