When looking to improve your smile, it's difficult to sort through all the options - learn about dental bridges and see how a dentist in Honesdale, PA can help.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are one of the many ways to deal with a missing tooth. Instead of getting a temporary replacement or a full dental implant, you can utilize the teeth surrounding the empty space to fill it in. 

To begin with, you need to only have a single tooth missing with the neighboring teeth still attached. The dentist will then shave down the adjacent teeth to prepare them for the bridge bonding. 

The bridge takes the appearance of three normal, healthy teeth. It both fills in the gap and adheres to the now shaved-down pre-existing teeth. 



Dental bridges can be made out of various materials such as porcelain or metal, depending on where they're placed. 

Are Dental Bridges Permanent?

One of the good things about dental bridges is that they're meant to work as a permanent solution, much like dental crowns or implants.

The bridge itself may last for as long as fifteen years, depending on who you ask. With proper care and the right kind of diet, you can expect it to last even longer. 

If something does happen to the bridge or it gets damaged, your dentist can always order a replacement. They can even fit you with a temporary bridge while you wait for your new one. 

How Do Dental Bridges Differ From Crowns?

Although dental bridges work similarly to crowns, they are very different in how they're applied. 

To begin with, what are crowns? Dental crowns are protective caps placed onto damaged teeth to restore their appearance and functionality. They're placed on a single tooth that has been shaved down. 



In contrast, a dental bridge is placed over a space where the tooth has been lost or removed. Instead, the dentist shaves down the healthy teeth beside the space and adheres the bridge onto those. 

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

You may wonder why you should get bridges as opposed to something like false teeth or dental implants. 

First of all, dental bridges cost less than implants and are often covered by dental insurance. That makes them a more viable option for many people. 



Secondly, a dental implant may require months to complete the process. In comparison, a bridge can be installed in only a couple of trips. This is because an implant is placed in your bone, and it can take months for it to completely heal before a crown can be added. 

What Are the Risks of Dental Bridges?

One of the drawbacks of getting dental bridges is that the dentist will need to shave down perfectly healthy teeth to fit them over the empty space. It needs an anchor point, and that happens to be any teeth directly adjacent to where your old tooth was. 



In addition, dental bridges may not look as natural as other alternatives. It can also have a negative effect on surrounding teeth, such as increased tooth decay. 

How Long Do They Last?

Although dental bridges act as a permanent solution, they don't last forever. The average bridge will need to get replaced after five to seven years, which is about twice as often as a crown. 



Of course, getting a replacement is much easier this time around since your teeth will already be prepped for the bridge. 

What Are the Different Types Available?

There are a few different types of dental bridges you can get, depending on your situation. 

Traditional bridges are attached to healthy teeth next to your missing tooth gap. These are the most common ones you'll see. 

You can also have bridges attached to only one tooth next to the gap. However, these aren't recommended for molars due to the kind of impact required of them. 



Maryland bridges use a framework attached to your adjacent teeth without filing them down. Your dentist may also use your dental implants as an anchor to hold the bridge. 

How Do You Care for Them?

You may wonder how exactly to care for your dental bridge in order for it to last as long as possible. It's important that you practice the expected dental care that you already do for your pre-existing teeth. However, there are some new considerations to take into account. 

First of all, avoid eating hard or sticky items. Not only are these bad for your biological teeth, but they'll often lead to damaging your bridges in some way. 

In addition, avoid sugary or acidic foods or drinks. Acidic drinks can discolor and potentially erode away the surface of your bridge. Smoking and using other tobacco products will also stain your teeth. 



If your bridge comes out for whatever reason, make an emergency visit to your dentist to either get it reattached or to get a temporary bridge. 

Am I Able to Get Bridges?

Dental bridges are a great option if you're missing a single tooth. They're also preferred if you're not happy with the surrounding teeth, as those will be reshaped and hidden under the bridge. It'll help fix your smile with your front teeth and correct your bite with your molars. 



You cannot get a bridge if you're missing too many teeth or if you have ongoing periodontal disease. They also don't address bone loss, which means your jawbone may continue to deteriorate. 

See a Dentist in Honesdale, PA

Still not sure whether or not you should get dental bridges? Make sure to reach out to your local dentist in Honesdale, PA. They can better inform you of your options, what your insurance accepts, and what to expect moving forward.



Complete Health Dentistry of NEPA offers dental services to the Honesdale, PA area. Our team can help out with dental emergencies, restorative dentistry, and more. Contact us with any of your questions and to schedule an appointment.