Bridges: Why They Can Be a Great Choice

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Many people need dental replacements or bridges in Foley, Alabama, due to a variety of causes. From infections to traumatic incidents, there are many reasons to lose or break teeth. And, when those teeth are lost, a gap remains.

A dental bridge is one option that can fill the gap, improve your bite so you can eat normally, and give you back your confidence when you smile.

How Does a Dental Bridge Work?

The exact way a bridge works will depend on the kind you choose. There are temporary and permanent bridges.

In general, a temporary bridge is made up of one or more replacement teeth held in place by temporary cement on the teeth next to the gap. For a permanent bridge, the same bridge design is permanently anchored to crowns on the teeth next to the bridge, making the bridge look and feel natural.

Bridges don’t require intensive surgery and can be placed in the office. Fortunately, they’re easy to care for with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups, too. They have the potential to last for many years, sometimes a decade or longer, depending on the materials used and the maintenance they’re given.

Is a Bridge the Right Choice for Me?

A bridge can be an excellent choice to replace missing teeth. It does more than fill the space where a tooth is missing. It also helps keep the surrounding teeth from shifting out of place, which protects your bite and ensures you maintain the same ability to speak and bite down as in the past.

Dental Bridges in Foley, Alabama

Getting a dental bridge in Foley, AL, can be a good choice if you have a missing tooth, but you need to know if you’re a candidate first. Contact us at Sand Dollar Dental today and we’ll talk to you about your options and get you in for a consultation.

How a Dental Bridge Restores Function and Appearance

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Are you missing one or more of your natural adult teeth? Unfortunately, we as humans don’t have the capacity to regrow teeth. They’re gone forever. But…a dental bridge is possible, and it literally bridges the empty gap between adjacent healthy teeth. This fantastic device not only puts a smile back on your face—it also restores function. Whether you’ve lost a single tooth or several in a row, a dental bridge in Foley, AL offers a reliable and natural-looking solution.

How It Works

A dental bridge is made up of one or more artificial teeth that are anchored in place by surrounding healthy teeth or dental implants. These anchor teeth, called abutments, support the replacement tooth (or teeth), known as pontics. Once in place, the bridge closes the gap and blends in with the surrounding teeth—restoring your smile without the need for a removable device.

Function You Can Rely On

Chewing can become difficult or uneven when there are missing teeth, which can lead to extra pressure on your remaining ones. A well-fitted bridge brings balance back to your bite, allowing you to eat more comfortably and speak more naturally. It also helps prevent the neighboring teeth from shifting out of position, which could otherwise lead to jaw pain or changes in your alignment over time.

A Natural Look That Lasts

Modern bridges are designed to look just like natural teeth. They’re custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, so your smile feels seamless. With good care, a dental bridge can last a good many years—providing lasting benefits both aesthetically and functionally.

If you’ve been living with missing teeth, a dental bridge could be the solution that brings back your confidence and restores everyday comfort. Talk to your Foley, AL dentist at Sand Dollar Dental to see if it’s the right fit for your needs.

What Type of Dental Bridge Is Right for You?

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Have you lost a tooth due to an injury or decay? Or are you having any removed? When you have missing teeth, replacing them with a dental bridge helps restore functionality and a more natural appearance. At Sand Dollar Dental, our dentists in Foley, AL, offer different types of dental bridges. Let’s take a quick look at each and when they might be the right option for you!

Should You Get a Traditional Bridge?

Many people choose this kind of bridge. These fixed bridges have a replacement tooth and a crown on the teeth next to the gap. This setup holds the bridge securely, making it a long-lasting option.

Is a Cantilever Bridge Your Best Option?

Do you have one tooth next to a gap rather than two? In this case, we might recommend a cantilever bridge. This bridge has a replacement tooth and a crown on the adjacent tooth.

Is a Maryland Dental Bridge the Right Choice?

Are you missing your front teeth? A Maryland dental bridge makes a great option for these situations. This type has wings instead of crowns to hold the bridge in place.

Should You Consider an Implant-Supported Dental Bridge?

Do you have healthy jawbone? You may want to think about getting a bridge with dental implants that go inside the bone as anchors. These implants hold a dental bridge in place to create a durable, long-lasting restoration.

Set Up an Appointment for a Dental Bridge!

Ready to replace one or more teeth? Whether you’ve lost teeth or need any extracted, we offer dental bridges in Foley, AL, to replace them with a durable structure. Our dentists at Sand Dollar Dental can decide which type works best for your teeth!

What to Expect When You Need a Dental Bridge 

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Are missing teeth giving you a hard time eating and pronouncing words? You might benefit from getting a dental bridge. At Sand Dollar Dental, our dentists in Foley, AL, provide this option to replace one or more teeth that are gone from injuries or tooth decay. Here’s what we do when you come in for a dental bridge!

Administer Anesthesia

We give you a local anesthetic so you won’t feel any discomfort during this procedure.

Prepare the Adjacent Teeth

For traditional bridges, we need to reshape the teeth on either side of the gap to hold the bridge. That involves removing small amounts of tooth enamel.

Take Impressions of Your Teeth

We send these to a lab that makes your permanent dental bridge based on the shape and size of your natural teeth.

Give You a Temporary Bridge

We put a temporary dental bridge in place until your permanent one is ready. This bridge isn’t as durable and isn’t custom-made so it may not be comfortable.

Remove the Temporary Bridge

We take off this bridge at your second appointment when your permanent bridge is ready.

Place Your Permanent Bridge

We put your permanent dental bridge on. This bridge includes crowns for the adjacent teeth and replacement teeth for missing teeth.

Secure Your Permanent Bridge

We use dental cement to make sure your bridge stays in place and doesn’t shift around as you chew or bite.

Visit Us to Restore Teeth With a Dental Bridge!

Do you have one or more teeth missing? Make an appointment with our dentists at Sand Dollar Dental for dental bridges in Foley, AL. We can fit you with a bridge to improve chewing and other functions!

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!