Dental bridges bridge the gap between two teeth, usually two molars. However, a dental bridge can also fill the gap between front teeth or incisors and incisors and molars.
If you have a dental bridge, your family dentist in Ocean Springs has likely advised you on some important ways to maintain the bridge and keep your mouth healthy. Tyler McCabe, DMD, a cosmetic dentist in Ocean Springs, excels at showing patients how to care for their bridges.
Different Kinds of Bridges Need Different Care
There is no one list of instructions to universally care for dental bridges because there are different kinds of bridges. The most common type is a faux crown affixed to a crown that fits over a neighboring tooth, or neighboring teeth. For this type of crown, brush and floss as usual. The dentist and he staff will show you how to properly floss under and around the bridge.
The second type of bridge is called a "Maryland" bridge. There is dental bonding to fix the fake tooth between two real teeth. Metal or porcelain pieces hold the fake tooth in place. There is spacing, but you have to thread the floss through the spacing to floss your gums. Brush as usual.
A third type of bridge is an implant type. Implant screws are surgically placed in your jaw. The bridge pops on top of the implant screws. This type of bridge can also be used to fill larger gaps where more than one tooth is missing, but natural teeth are still present in the mouth. Brush and floss as usual.
Replacing a Bridge
Some bridges will break. Others will wear out if they aren't made of metal, porcelain, or porcelain-resin mix. Most bridges will last a long time, but they don't last forever.
When you need to replace the bridge, your family dentist in Ocean Springs will be ready. At each dental hygiene appointment, the dentist will let you know how you are doing with maintaining the bridge and when you should have it replaced. Bridges, depending on the materials involved, may last anywhere from five to twenty years. However, if yours breaks, you will need to replace it sooner.
Come in for a Consult with Dr. McCabe
If you need a bridge, come into McCabe Dental to see the leading cosmetic dentist in Ocean Springs, Dr. McCabe. Dr. McCabe will show you what your options are and how to maintain the bridge type you choose.