Dental Bridges in Foley, AL
If you have missing teeth and need a dentist in Foley, AL, you are not alone. But what is a dental bridge and what does it do? We are going to answer all of that and more.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration appliance that is used to replace missing teeth. This fixed bridge dental appliance adjoins the artificial tooth or teeth to your surrounding teeth or dental implants.
What Does a Dental Bridge Do?
Dental bridges in Foley, AL are custom-made replacement teeth and are designed to fill the space where one or more of your teeth are missing.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Dental Bridge?
Some of the benefits of dental bridges include:
- A better appearance
- Makes it easier to chew
- Makes it easier to speak and pronounce words properly
- Will help maintain the shape of a person’s face by preventing a sunken-in appearance which is the result of missing teeth
- Will help prevent your existing teeth from shifting
- Don’t require surgery
- More secure than dentures
- More affordable than implants
What Are the Disadvantages of Having a Dental Bridge?
Some of the disadvantages of dental bridges include:
- Makes cleaning and flossing a little more challenging.
- They are not permanent.
- They can sometimes harm the surrounding healthy teeth.
- You must alter the surrounding healthy teeth to keep them in place.
- Dental bridges won’t prevent bone loss.
- Dental bridges don’t last as long as dental implants.
What Are the Four Types of Dental Bridges?
Here are the four types of dental bridges.
1. Traditional Fixed Bridges
These are the most common types of dental bridges in Foley, AL. They have two or more crowns along with a filler tooth/teeth that are adjoined together. The crowns are what keep this bridge in place. These types of bridges are generally made of porcelain fused to metal, ceramics, or are just metal alone.
2. Cantilever Bridges
These types of dental bridges use a pontic to connect to one abutment tooth. The cantilever dental bridge option is good for those who only have teeth on one side of the dental gap.
3. Maryland Dental Bridge
This type of dental bridge is used for those who have missing front teeth. They are made of porcelain that is fused to metal or ceramic teeth and is supported by a framework. There are “wings” on each side of the dental bridge that are bonded to your existing teeth to hold the bridge in place.
4. Implant Supported Dental Bridge
This type of dental bridge in Foley, AL is like the traditional fixed type of bridge. However, instead of it being cemented to your existing teeth, this dental bridge is held in place by dental implants.
How Many Teeth Can there Be on a Dental Bridge?
Most dental bridges can replace one to four teeth depending on your needs. Your dentist in Foley, AL will let you know how many teeth you will need.
How Long Do Dental Bridge Teeth Last?
Some dental experts state that dental bridge teeth last between 5-7 years and others say they last between 10-15 years. However, it is widely believed that if you take care of your dental bridge properly, it could last a lifetime. So it really comes down to how hard you are on your teeth and how well you take care of your dental bridge.
