Dental Bridges – Indianapolis, IN
Building a Reliable Smile
You’re not alone if you think you are the only person living with missing teeth. There are millions of individuals in the U.S. who are experiencing life with an incomplete smile; however, the good news is that our team at Indy Dental Group is here to do something about it. With dental bridges, we can rebuild a reliable smile so that you can enjoy eating your favorite meals, speaking in front of a crowd, and smiling confidently around friends and family. If you’re ready to let us help you move toward a full, complete smile, call our office to schedule an appointment.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a type of tooth replacement that is designed to remain fixed in place with the help of two dental crowns and healthy abutment teeth. When multiple missing teeth leave behind a gap, it can create problems in your day-to-day life; however, once a fixed bridge is put in place, you will notice a dramatic improvement in the way you look and feel about your smile.
The bridge consists of two dental crowns that are connected by a row of artificial teeth that sit on top of the gums. This creates the look of a complete smile so that you can feel more confident.
Types of Dental Bridges
When determining which type of dental bridge is right for you, our Indy Dental Group team will need to meet with you for a full consultation. We will go over the details of each and share what you can expect.
Traditional Dental Bridge
If you’re missing one, two, three, or even four teeth, we can place a traditional dental bridge. Resting on top of abutment teeth that exist on either side of the gap as well as your gums, a fixed bridge is meant to remain firmly in place for 10+ years before needing to have it replaced.
Implant Bridge
A more updated and modernized version is an implant bridge. Similar to the traditional, the one main component that differentiates the two is that this type of tooth replacement is held in place by titanium dental implants. Fused with the jawbone to create a stable and permanent foundation, the implant posts support the customized bridge once it is put in place – a prosthetic that can last 30 years or more.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge?
The decision to receive a dental bridge to replace your missing teeth is one you will not regret, especially once you begin to experience the following benefits:
- Dental bridges are customizable, which means they can be matched to blend in with your existing smile
- Dental bridges can last 10+ years (fixed) or 30+ years (implant)
- Dental bridges can drastically improve your bite force, allowing you to eat nutrient-rich foods that are healthy for your smile and body
- Dental bridges prevent healthy teeth from shifting out of alignment
Dental Bridges FAQs
Can You Take a Dental Bridge Out?
No, your dental bridge is not designed to be removed. One of its benefits is that it can remain in your mouth for many years, so you don’t need to worry about taking it out to clean it or soak it. Should your bridge need replacement, your dentist can remove it at that time.
Dental bridges should not be confused with partial dentures, which are sometimes referred to as “removable bridges.” These can be removed by you at any time, but genuine dental bridges cannot.
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?
Most dental bridges last between five and fifteen years, but this will depend on the materials used and how you treat it. Metal bridges can last longer than porcelain, however this isn’t always true, nor is the difference in longevity very noticeable.
Mostly, the lifespan of your bridge depends on individual factors like your diet, oral hygiene, and any bad habits like smoking, teeth grinding, or using your teeth as tools.
Bridges that are in the front of your mouth tend to last longer than those towards the back because they do not experience as much wear and tear from chewing.
If you have an implant-supported bridge, it will likely last longer than a traditional bridge, as the implant posts can remain in place for decades and beyond with proper care.
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
A dental bridge can replace anywhere from one to four missing teeth in a row, but in most cases, they only replace just one or two. This is because the longer the bridge extends, the less stable it could become, especially if the teeth anchoring it in place aren’t strong and healthy. Thus, it may be too risky to replace three or more teeth at once.
Implant bridges can reduce this type of risk, as implants are just as strong and secure as your natural teeth, if not more, so speak to your dentist about this option.
Can Dental Bridges Be Whitened?
No, unfortunately no matter what your bridge is made of it cannot be whitened like your natural teeth can. That’s because your real teeth have enamel, which is full of tiny pores. When you whiten them, bleaching gels can enter those pores and break apart stains. Bridges, on the other hand, do not have those pores, so they will always remain the same color.
Your bridge is designed to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth, so they should not stand out or appear whiter or darker. To reduce the risk of your natural teeth becoming discolored and drawing attention to your bridge, speak to your dentist about getting a professional tooth whitening treatment before your bridge is placed. This will ensure that your bridge matches the ideal shade of your teeth.