How to Clean & Care For A Dental Bridge

Dental bridges are an alternative to partial dentures, helping restore the function of your teeth. While a dental bridge is artificial, you still need to care for and maintain it. How can you do this effectively to help your dental bridge last?

Continue reading to learn more about dental bridges, including what they are, how they work, and how you can maintain and care for them. 

What Is a Dental Bridge? 

A dental bridge is a permanent appliance for replacing a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. Bridges are several artificial teeth fused to fit into the space where your tooth used to be. They can help you eat and speak better while improving the appearance of your smile. 

Why Get a Dental Bridge? 

A missing tooth can affect more than your appearance—it can affect your ability to chew and cause your teeth to shift out of place. Dental bridges can have several benefits, including: 

• Restoring your smile
• Restoring your ability to chew properly
• Restoring your speech & pronunciation
• Maintaining your face shape
• Re-adjusting your bite to properly distribute force when chewing
• Preventing your remaining teeth from shifting out of position 

Types of Dental Bridges

Many types of dental bridges exist today. Your dentist will recommend the best bridge for your needs depending on the health of your teeth. 

• Traditional bridge: A traditional bridge uses your natural teeth to hold the bridge in place. Your dentist files down your natural teeth & covers them with 2 crowns that make up the ends of the bridge.
• Cantilever bridge: A cantilever dental bridge only requires one natural tooth to stay in place.
• Maryland bridge: Maryland bridges are similar to traditional bridges, except they use a metal or porcelain framework to bond to the natural teeth instead of crowns.
• Implant-supported bridge: Implant-supported bridges use dental implants to support the bridge instead of natural teeth.

How Is a Dental Bridge Made? 

The goal of a dental bridge is to replace one or more missing teeth with an artificial appliance. Your dentist will either trim down 2 adjacent teeth to prepare them for a bridge or surgically implant 2 dental implants. The dental bridge process takes multiple visits to complete. 

Your procedure begins with the preparation of your abutment teeth. This preparation depends on the type of abutment you require. Your dentist will trim down your natural teeth to prepare them to support the bridge or place implants to act as the anchors for the bridge. 

Your dentist then creates a mold of your teeth by taking impressions. They use these impressions to create the custom-made artificial teeth that make up your bridge. You receive a temporary bridge to help protect your exposed teeth and gums until your bridge is ready. 

You receive your bridge during your next visit. Your dentist removes the temporary bridge and places the custom-made dental bridge. Depending on the anchor you received, they will cement the bridge to your two adjacent teeth or dental implants. 

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

Dental bridges can last a long time when properly taken care of. According to the Canadian Dental Association, a dental bridge can last 10 years or longer. 

While your bridge can last for over a decade, you need to maintain it. Your dentist can show you how to care for your dental bridge. 

How Can You Clean & Care for Your Dental Bridge? 

Your dental bridge requires the same amount of care as your natural teeth. Daily cleaning, dietary changes, and regular dental care can help protect and maintain your dental bridge. 

Daily Brushing & Flossing

While your bridge consists of artificial teeth, you still need to brush and floss daily to avoid potential tooth decay. Bacteria can still sit on your dental bridge and affect the surrounding teeth. Your dentist can show you how to floss your dental bridge using a floss threader. 

Besides daily brushing and flossing, using an antiseptic mouthwash can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Good dental hygiene can help prevent future problems with your teeth. 

Dietary Changes

Dental bridges are permanent appliances that act like regular teeth, but you may need to make some dietary adjustments to help protect them. Some foods can cause problems for your bridge or the teeth underneath the bridge. 

Avoiding the following foods can help protect your bridge from unnecessary damage and tooth decay underneath the appliance: 

• Chewy & sticky candy
• Hard candy or snacks
• Nuts
• Popcorn
• Sugary foods

Regular Dental Visits

Just like you need to brush and floss daily, regular dental visits are essential for maintaining your bridge. Your dental team can clean and examine your natural teeth and bridge. They can check if your bridge is working correctly and if the surrounding teeth and gums are healthy. 

A Dental Bridge Can Restore Your Smile

Even if you’ve lost a tooth or 2, you can still enjoy a complete smile. Your dentist can install a dental bridge or another appliance to help improve the function and appearance of your teeth. 

Contact your dentist if you’re interested in a dental bridge. They can assess your dental needs and recommend the best restorative dentistry option for your needs.