As much information about dental health is available online, you can quickly get misguided about treatment options. One common area of misinformation in dental treatment is dental bridges.
Dental bridges are a popular treatment method for replacing missing teeth. However, misconceptions persist about their effectiveness, cost, and maintenance. This article aims to clarify the most common dental bridges myths for you.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are prosthetic devices. They bridge the gap created by missing teeth, either one or more. Natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap anchor them.
A bridge consists of two parts: crowns on the anchoring teeth and the abutment teeth and a false tooth or teeth in between, known as pontic.
Steps in bridge preparation:
- Preparation: The natural teeth are prepared for crowns.
- Impression and bridge: Molds of the teeth are taken, and the bridge is custom-made in the lab.
- Placement: The bridge is fitted and checked, followed by cementation.
The number of missing teeth, location, and presence of other natural teeth determine the type of bridge.
The different types of bridges are:
- Traditional
- Cantilever
- Maryland
- Implant-supported
Common Myths and Facts About Dental Bridges
Below are the most common dental bridge myths you must know:
1. Dental Bridges Look Unnatural in the Mouth
Fact: Modern dental bridges look and feel like natural teeth. Advances in dental materials, technology, and skilled dentists ensure that bridges blend seamlessly with the natural teeth, making them indistinguishable.
2. Dental Bridges are Meant Only for Older People
Fact: Dental bridges are suitable for anyone who has lost a tooth or teeth, regardless of age. Tooth loss can happen for many reasons. These include injury, decay, or gum disease, which affect people of all ages.
The ACP (American College of Prosthodontists) has reported a significant finding. It says that about one hundred and seventy-eight million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and around forty million are missing all their teeth.
Dental bridges offer a viable solution for tooth replacement at any age.
3. Treatment for Dental Bridges Can Be Painful
Fact: One of the most common dental bridge myths is that getting a dental bridge is not painful. Before beginning the procedure, your dentist will first use local anesthesia to numb the area.
Some discomfort may be experienced during the treatment process. It is usually manageable with painkillers.
4. You Get Pain During Chewing After Getting Dental Bridges
Fact: You might feel mild discomfort while chewing in the beginning. Generally, there is no pain. Your teeth aren’t used to the bridges. The bridge needs time to adjust to your food habits. Once they change, they feel like regular teeth.
5. Dental Bridges are High Maintenance
Fact: Dental bridges need attention, just like natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and scaling treatments are essential. They keep the mouth healthy and make it last longer.
Special flossing tools can help. They can clean under the pontic and around the abutment teeth well.
6. Dental Bridges Only Have a Cosmetic Role
Fact: Dental bridges do greatly enhance your smile’s aesthetics. But its function goes beyond just aesthetics.
They help maintain the alignment of your teeth, preventing them from shifting. Bridges also improve chewing and speaking.
7. Dental Bridges are not Durable
Fact: Dental bridges usually last 5 to 15 years and are made of materials like porcelain or ceramic.
The lifespan depends on oral hygiene and factors like diet and habits such as teeth grinding. They are designed to withstand bite forces. Additionally, proper care can make it last longer
8. Dental Bridges Cause Speech Problems
Fact: Dental bridges don’t cause speech problems, especially long term. You may need time to adjust, and your speech returns to normal once it adapts fully.
9. Dental Bridges are Very Expensive
Fact: The cost of dental bridges varies depending on the type and materials used. However, they are generally affordable, and many insurance plans cover part of the cost, making them accessible.
10. Dental Bridges Damage Adjacent Natural Teeth
Fact: Your dentist will prepare abutment teeth by removing some enamel. This is done to place crowns. But dentists carefully plan and do this to keep the supporting teeth healthy.
Better technology and methods have reduced the impact on nearby teeth, making dental bridges a safe way to replace missing teeth.
How Do You Make an Informed Decision?
Don’t let dental bridges misconceptions stop you from getting a full and healthy smile. A qualified dentist can help you dispel all dental bridges myths. They will discuss options with you and give you a proper treatment plan.
Conclusion
Knowing the facts about dental bridges will clear your confusion and help you make informed decisions about Dental bridges. Dental bridges are a reliable and functional solution for missing teeth for people of all ages.
Discuss all the dental bridge myths with our experts at RiverRock Dental.
Our dentists at RiverRock Dental are here to clear all your misconceptions about dental bridges and provide the best treatment. If you’re considering a dental bridge, visit us today.
Call us at (952)445-5556 or contact us to schedule a consultation.
Our address – 403 1st Ave East Shakopee, MN 55379
