What Problems Can Be Resolved with a Fixed Dental Bridge?

Smiling, eating, and speaking are a breeze when your smile is whole and healthy, not so much when teeth go missing. By restoring your smile with a bridge, Dr. Le can make it fully functional again. A fixed dental bridge will distribute your chewing forces evenly so you can continue eating the foods you love. A bridge will improve your speech by helping you to enunciate sounds and words. A bridge will keep your smile in alignment by preventing dental drift. Lastly, a bridge will complete your smile naturally so you can easily showcase your pearly whites.

The average lifespan of a bridge is around 10 to 15 years. Factors like the quality of your restoration, location, lifestyle habits, and oral care will affect the health and longevity of your bridge.   

Dr. Le and your Sioux City, IA, dental team offer the following types of bridges to replace multiple missing teeth:  

• Traditional bridge: supported by dental crowns affixed to healthy adjacent teeth on either side of the gap left by missing teeth. Dr. Le will modify the structure of these teeth to accommodate the crowns.
• Cantilever bridge: supported by a crown on one healthy tooth on one side of the gap 
• Maryland bridge: supported by clasps attached to adjacent healthy teeth without modifying their structure. 
• Implant bridge: supported by dental implants 

A dental bridge is brushed and flossed just like your natural teeth to avoid problems with decay or gum disease. You should also see Dr. Le every six months for a routine exam and cleaning. Although porcelain bridges are quite strong, you can avoid accidental damage or premature wear by avoiding extremely hard or crunchy foods.