Is a Dental Bridge Right for You? Key Factors to Consider

Losing a tooth or multiple teeth can significantly affect your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. If you are missing teeth or have recently undergone tooth extraction, a dental bridge may be an effective solution to restore your oral health and appearance. This type of restoration from our Orange Park dentist provides a reliable way to fill the gap left by missing teeth, offering both functionality and aesthetics.

However, before making a decision, here’s more information to help you understand what a dental bridge is, how it works, and whether it suits your individual needs.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, that are anchored to the surrounding natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. These anchoring teeth are then covered with dental crowns to provide support.

There are different types of dental bridges, but what you ultimately receive will depend on several factors, including the health of your surrounding teeth, the location of the missing tooth, and your overall oral health. Dr. Marino can sit down with you and go over every detail so you’re aware of what’s possible given the current condition of your smile and next steps.

What a Dental Bridge Can Offer You

There are a range of benefits to receiving a custom dental bridge, making it a popular choice for many patients. Some of those that stand out include:

• Restored Functionality: If one or even a few teeth are gone, it can be difficult to chew properly or speak clearly. A bridge restores these functions, allowing you to eat and talk without discomfort or difficulty.
• Improved Aesthetics: The dental bridge procedure serves to fill in the gap, helping you regain a full, natural-looking smile. The materials used for bridges can be matched to the color of your existing teeth, ensuring a seamless appearance.
• Maintained Facial Structure:Tooth loss can lead to changes in your facial structure over time, as the jawbone may shrink due to a lack of stimulation. A bridge helps maintain the integrity of your facial structure by providing the necessary support to your jaw and surrounding tissues.
• Preventing Shifting Teeth: When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth can shift out of position, leading to misalignment and potential bite issues. A bridge keeps your remaining teeth in their proper place, preserving the alignment of your smile.

What to Consider Before Getting a Dental Bridge

While dental bridges can be an excellent option for many, it’s important to evaluate certain key factors on your own in addition to having a thorough discussion with Dr. Marino before deciding if they are right for you.

1. Oral Health Condition

Healthy teeth and gums are essential for supporting a dental bridge. If you have gum disease or cavities in the surrounding teeth, these issues need to be addressed first. Additionally, the supporting teeth need to be strong enough to hold the bridge securely in place. For those with multiple missing teeth or severely weakened teeth, an implant-supported bridge may offer more stability.

2. Maintenance Requirements

Bridges, like natural teeth, require regular maintenance to ensure their longevity. This includes brushing at least twice daily, flossing around the bridge, and using special cleaning tools to reach under the pontic. Regular dental check-ups in our Orange Park, FL, dental office are also essential to monitor the health of the bridge and the surrounding teeth. If you want to prevent issues that could compromise your bridge’s stability, maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is crucial.

3. Longevity and Durability

Dental bridges are designed to last several years, but as mentioned above, their longevity depends on proper care and maintenance. On average, a bridge can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or longer. Choosing high-quality materials, ensuring good oral hygiene, and attending regular visits with Dr. Marino can extend the lifespan of your bridge significantly.

4. Cost Considerations

The cost of a dental bridge can vary depending on the type of bridge, the materials used, and the complexity of the procedure. Implant-supported bridges tend to be more than traditional dental bridges due to the additional steps involved in placing implants. However, implant-supported bridges also offer increased durability and stability, which may make them a worthwhile investment in the long term.

Alternative Options

If you’re unsure whether a dental bridge is the right option, we do offer alternatives at Marino Family Dentistry. Dentures, either partial or full, are another way to replace missing teeth, though they may not offer the same level of comfort or stability as bridges. Dental implants, which are surgically placed into the jawbone and topped with crowns, provide a permanent solution but may require a longer healing time and higher cost.

Call to Discuss Dental Bridges

Choosing the right tooth replacement option depends on your unique needs, preferences, and overall oral health. Our dentist serving Orange Park and Greater Jacksonville, FL, would be happy to take a closer look at your smile and answer any questions that would help guide you to a decision. Call Marino Family Dentistry today at (904) 269-2185 to request an appointment.