Dental Bridges – Farmington, MI
Fixed Bridges Boost Smile Confidence
It’s amazing how big of an effect just one missing tooth can have on a person’s life. Seemingly overnight, simple activities like speaking and eating can become awkward and uncomfortable. Plus, a gap in the smile is enough to make even the most confident person feel self-conscious. Missing teeth are a problem faced by over 120 million Americans right now, but at Monet Aesthetic Dentistry, we’re ready to provide a proven, long-term solution. With a fixed bridge, Dr. Metzger can help patients finally say “goodbye” to gaps for a lifetime.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge involves placing a prosthetic tooth in the mouth that is supported by the surrounding teeth which have been fitted with dental crowns. The replacement tooth literally “bridges” the gap between the two crowns. Whether a patient has lost a tooth due to decay, injury, or periodontal disease, bridges have long been a trusted and reliable way to rebuild the smile.
The Benefits of a Dental Bridge
- Increased confidence due to having a full set of teeth again
- Prevents the remaining teeth from shifting into the open space (which happens often after tooth loss)
- The bite is rebalanced, taking additional stress off of the remaining teeth
- The bite is also realigned, which can help prevent uneven tooth wear or TMJ-related problems
The Dental Bridge Procedure
After a brief oral exam and a diagnosis that a bridge is the best option for a patient, the procedure will follow these basic steps:
· Dr. Metzger will numb the area where the bridge is going to be placed.
- She’ll gently reshape the supporting teeth that are intended to be fitted with crowns.
- She’ll then take an impression of the area that will be sent to a local dental lab to make the bridge.
- Before they leave, the patient will be fitted with a temporary bridge.
- A week or so later, the patient will return to have their temporary removed and their permanent bridge cemented into place.
- Dr. Metzger will check the fit and make sure the bite is ideally aligned before sending a patient on their way.
If a patient doesn’t have enough healthy teeth to support a bridge, this prosthetic can also be supported with dental implants. In this case, dental implants topped with crowns will be placed near the missing teeth, and these will support the replacement restorations.
Taking Care of a Dental Bridge
One of the best parts about getting a fixed dental bridge is that it doesn’t require an extensive maintenance routine to keep it looking and feeling like new for years to come. Patients basically just need to take care of it like their natural teeth, which involves regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental checkups here in Farmington, MI. They should also pay extra attention to cleaning along the bottom of the prosthetic, as this area is likely to trap plaque and bacteria.
Dental Bridges FAQs
Are Dental Bridges Covered by Insurance?
Dental insurance providers typically cover between 50% and 80% of the cost of restorative services, including dental bridges. So, there’s a good chance that you won’t need to pay for yours completely out-of-pocket. Of course, the only way to know for certain is by reading through the fine print on your plan. If you need any help understanding your benefits, let us know! We’re proud to work with several popular companies, including Delta Dental, MetLife, and BlueCross BlueShield.
Important reminder: If you are considering dental bridges in Farmington, but you are uninsured, that’s okay – dental insurance isn’t the only financial solution that’s available. We also welcome payment plans with CareCredit and have an in-house membership plan, which includes a 20% discount on treatments completed at our office. If you are interested in learning more about either of these options, let us know!
What Can You Not Eat with a Dental Bridge?
Although dental bridges are crafted from durable and high-quality materials, they, like your natural teeth, can break with enough pressure. For that reason, we recommend avoiding hard pretzels, raw almonds, peanut brittle, and other extremely crunchy foods. At the same time, exercise caution with sticky snacks that have the potential to pull your restoration out of position, like caramel-filled candies.
Can Dental Bridges Get Cavities?
No, dental bridges cannot get cavities. That said, you still need to commit to a solid oral hygiene regimen. After all, the teeth that are supporting your restoration can still decay. Not only that, but your gums can develop an infection if they are neglected. So, it’s of the utmost importance that you continue to incorporate good habits into your routine, like brushing twice a day and visiting our dentist in Farmington every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?
Dental bridges often last between 5 and 15 years. One of the biggest factors in the longevity of yours is proper care. That starts with brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently. It’s also of the utmost importance that you eat mostly healthy, well-balanced meals, that you wear a mouthguard during sports, and that you schedule a dental visit every six months. This last one is particularly important because it allows us to periodically monitor the condition of yours and let you know when it’s time to have it replaced.
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
Dental bridges can replace up to four missing teeth consecutively. Any more than that, and the durability and stability of the restoration are compromised. The good news is that this isn’t the only tooth-replacement solution we offer. So, if you are missing more than four teeth in an arch, don’t worry – we can still help you have a complete smile and a strong bite again!