Dental Bridges Arlington Heights

How long should a dental bridge last?

The longevity of your dental bridge is ultimately dependent on how well you take care of your new teeth. The average timeframe for one is anywhere from 5 to 15 years. If you want to make sure that you don’t have to replace it within just a few years of originally receiving it, you’ll need to make sure that you practice good oral hygiene, regularly visit your dentist in Arlington Heights, and avoid unhealthy foods and bad habits that can damage your bridge.

Other factors that can determine how long your bridge will last include where it is located inside the mouth, as those in the back tend to wear down more quickly than those placed toward the front. Also, the materials used can make a difference in how long your bridge will last.

How many teeth can a dental bridge replace?

A dental bridge should not replace more than three or four consecutive teeth. Any more than that should have you considering a partial denture. The reason is that because of how dental bridges are designed, they can become vulnerable and unstable the longer they are. To ensure that they remain firmly in place and do not become damaged under constant pressure, it’s best if you move forward with a bridge if you only have a few missing teeth.

Do dental bridges look natural?

As long as you opt to see a dentist who is trained and experienced in providing high-quality restorative care, and lifelike materials are used, you can expect your dental bridge to look and feel completely natural. At Westgate Dental Care, we believe in creating restorations and prosthetics that blend in seamlessly with patients’ smiles. This allows for greater confidence and improved appearances that help individuals like yourself feel eager to join social gatherings and pursue opportunities you might have once bypassed.

How do I clean under my bridge?

Just because you are missing certain teeth and now wearing a dental bridge doesn’t mean your oral hygiene routine should be lax. Instead, you must understand and abide by the guidelines provided to clean underneath your bridge. Bacteria can accumulate, resulting in gum disease and dental decay among your nearby healthy teeth. To keep this area clean, make sure that you:

• Make flossing essential. This means cleaning underneath the bridge to remove accumulated bacteria.
• Use an interdental brush to remove food debris and particles from the smallest crevices surrounding your bridge.
• Use a water irrigator to eliminate any built-up bacteria that may exist beneath your dental bridge.

Is getting a dental bridge painful?

Many patients worry that their treatment will be painful. Fortunately, the first step when placing a dental bridge is always numbing the area with a local anesthetic. This way, you shouldn’t feel any pain at all. We also offer a variety of sedation options for patients who experience dental anxiety or another reason to benefit from it. You may experience some sensitivity for a few days, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Because dental bridges prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting out of place, they can actually help to prevent discomfort later on.

Is a partial denture the same as a bridge?

No. Partial dentures are sometimes called “removable bridges,” but this isn’t entirely accurate. A bridge is designed to stay in place for many years and can only be removed by a dentist. However, a partial denture can be removed at any time by the patient for cleaning. The other main difference is that bridges can only replace consecutive missing teeth. Partial dentures can replace multiple teeth in different areas of the arch. Bridges are anchored on your teeth using dental crowns, while partial dentures are generally attached to the teeth using metal clasps. During your consultation, we will review your options so we can determine which tooth replacement method is ideal for you.

Can dental bridges get cavities?

A bridge itself can't get cavities. However, the natural teeth beneath it still can. Food debris can become trapped beneath the pontics or along the gumline. This can result in cavities and gum infections. That’s why it’s so important to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine. This means brushing twice, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash every day. You should also see your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.

Are dental bridges covered by insurance?

In many cases, dental bridges are partially covered by dental insurance. Most dental plans consider bridges to be a major procedure, so they will typically cover around 50% of the cost. Of course, every plan is different, so it is best to confirm this with your provider ahead of time so that you don’t encounter any surprises. We would also be happy to help you with this process if you need assistance.