Determining Your Eligibility for Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a popular restorative solution for replacing missing teeth, offering an effective way to restore both the function and aesthetics of your smile. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for dental bridges. By understanding the criteria for dental bridge candidacy, you can make an informed decision about your dental care journey.
At Polasek Digital Dentistry & Schaefer Dental Group our experienced Howell, MI, dentist, Dr. Kyle Polasek, is committed to helping you achieve a healthy and radiant smile. Schedule your appointment today by calling our Southeast Michigan dental practice at 517-546-8983 and find out if dental bridges are the right solution for you.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
While a comprehensive evaluation by a dental professional is necessary to determine individual candidacy, these general guidelines can help identify suitable candidates for dental bridges:
Missing Teeth
Dental bridges are primarily recommended for individuals who have one or more missing teeth in a row. They’re an excellent solution for those who have adjacent teeth that are healthy and can provide support for the bridge. However, the number of teeth a bridge can replace is typically limited to one to three teeth, depending on the gap, location, and the condition of the adjacent teeth.
Condition of the Abutment Teeth
The teeth adjacent to the missing space, known as the abutment teeth, play a crucial role in supporting the bridge. They must be healthy enough to provide adequate support. If the adjacent teeth have significant decay or gum disease, they may not be suitable as abutments unless they’re treated first.
Oral Hygiene Habits
Proper oral care is essential for the longevity of dental bridges. Patients must be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene practices to prevent potential problems like decay under the crowns of the bridge or gum disease.
Bite Alignment
Proper bite alignment is important for the longevity and function of dental bridges. If your bite is severely misaligned or if you have significant bite issues, Dr. Polasek may recommend alternative treatment options or additional procedures to ensure the success of the dental bridge.
Bone Health
Even though bridges don’t rely on the jawbone in the same way dental implants do, maintaining healthy bone and gum tissue is still essential. A bridge can fail if the surrounding jaw bone and gums are not healthy.
Cost and Longevity Expectations
Dental bridges are less invasive than implants and often have a lower upfront cost, but they might need replacement or repair sooner than dental implants. Patients should consider the long-term implications and costs when choosing a tooth replacement option.
Aesthetic Concerns
Bridges can also provide patients with a seamless look, replacing missing teeth and blending in with the natural dentition. However, some patients might have specific aesthetic concerns that might make other options more desirable.
Alternatives to Dental Bridges
If dental bridges aren’t the right choice for you, Dr. Polasek may recommend other restorative solutions:
Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, serving as artificial tooth roots. Once integrated with the bone, they can support crowns, bridges, or dentures. Offering the feel and function of natural teeth, implants help preserve jawbone integrity and don’t affect adjacent teeth.
Dentures
Dentures are removable dental prosthetics designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They come in two primary types: complete, for those missing all teeth in an arch, and partial, for those with some natural teeth remaining. While offering patients a quick solution for tooth loss, dentures require periodic adjustments and may not provide the same stability as other replacement options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you can get dental bridges with underlying dental issues depends on the specific nature and severity of the issues. In some cases, it may be possible to address the underlying health problems before proceeding with the dental bridge procedure. Your dentist will thoroughly evaluate your oral health to determine the best course of action.
Before placing a dental bridge, any underlying dental issues like gum disease or decay must be addressed. If the adjacent teeth are severely compromised, they may need treatment or restoration first. In some cases, if the supporting teeth are not salvageable, alternative tooth replacement options may be recommended.