Here Are The Main Benefits of a Temporary Dental Bridge

March 15, 2021

69% of adults between ages 35 and 44 have lost at least one tooth. If you've lost a tooth due to an accident, decay, gum disease, or a failed root canal, a temporary dental bridge can help.

What is a temporary bridge and what can it do for your teeth?

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about dental bridges. In this guide, we'll discuss the benefits, different options, and who makes an ideal candidate for this procedure.

Learn more about bridgework for your teeth with this guide!

What is a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges literally bridge the gap if you're missing teeth.

A bridge is created from two or more crowns for the teeth located on either side of the gap. The two or more anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth. Then, a false tooth or teeth are located between the anchors.

The false teeth are called pontics. These teeth are made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these various materials. While metal alloys are the cheapest option to choose from, they look the least like natural teeth.

Instead, you can choose a porcelain or ceramic bridge. These bridges are made to look like natural teeth, allowing you to maintain a natural-looking smile.

You can also choose a ceramic or porcelain bridge fused to a metal base. This option can help you balance cost with appearance. This type of bridge can lose its aesthetic appearance over time.

Your natural teeth or other implants help support your dental bridges.

Some people receive dental bridges to treat hypodontia, or congenitally missing teeth. Others use bridges to complete their smile after experiencing an accident or tooth decay.

A temporary dental bridge is used to protect your teeth and gums while you wait for your new porcelain or metal bridge.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

One of the main benefits of a temporary dental bridge is its ability to restore your smile. After all, you probably don't want to take pictures with a noticeable gap between your teeth. A bridge will hide the gap, allowing you to smile without anyone noticing you've lost a tooth.

Dental bridges can also restore your ability to speak and chew properly.

Missing teeth can cause you to develop a lisp. Issues speaking could impact your self-confidence and self-esteem. By restoring your smile, you're also maintaining your ability to speak without any discernible issues.

A gap between your teeth can make chewing difficult or uncomfortable. The gap also makes it easier for food particles to get trapped between your teeth.

Letting food particles settle between gives bacteria the chance to build. As bacteria builds, it forms plaque, a sticky substance that clings to your teeth. Plaque hardens into tartar, which you can't remove without a professional dentist's help.

When left untreated, plaque and tartar can lead to gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Choosing to receive a temporary dental bridge now can help you avoid these problems in the future.

Your dental bridge will also distribute the forces in your bite by replacing missing teeth. When you leave the gap for too long, it can cause your teeth to shift. Allowing your teeth to drift out of position can lead to an awkward bite or speech problems.

It can also change the shape of your face.

Replacing a missing tooth or teeth with a bridge as soon as possible can help you maintain the best possible oral health.

Types of Bridges

There are four main types of dental bridges you can choose from.

The first is called a traditional bridge. These bridges require your dentist to create a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth. Then, a pontic is placed in between.

Traditional bridges are the most common type of dental bridge. They're created either using porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.

These bridges are either made to remain fixed in your mouth or removable. A fixed bridge is more common. These bridges provide a stronger, more durable way to replace your teeth.

A cantilever bridge only needs one crown for support. This type of bridge requires a less intensive procedure. It's usually the ideal option for patients who don't want to risk damaging healthy teeth.

The single crown can sometimes act as a lever, however. This could increase your risk of tooth or jaw damage.

Maryland bridges are more conservative and less invasive than the options mentioned above.

With a Maryland bridge, the bridge is anchored by porcelain or metal frameworks. These frameworks are attached to the back of your teeth on either side of the gap.

These bridges are ideal if you want to preserve healthy teeth. However, they're sometimes less secure than the other options.

The fourth type of dental bridge is called an implant-supported bridge. These bridges use dental implants as anchors. The procedure is more invasive and expensive, but the bridges will remain secure.

The Process

Increasing incidences of oral disease are driving the growth of the dental bridges market. If you're considering a temporary dental bridge, it helps to know what to expect during the procedure.

During your first visit, the dentist will prepare your abutment teeth. Preparation involves recontouring the teeth by removing a portion of your enamel. Removing a small amount of enamel makes room to place the crown over your teeth.

Next, the dentist will make impressions of your teeth.

These impressions will serve as a model. A dental lab will use the impressions to make the bridge, pontic, and crowns.

Meanwhile, your dentist will make a temporary bridge to protect your exposed gums and teeth while the main bridge is getting made.

During your next visit, your dentist will remove your temporary bridge. Then, they'll check the new porcelain or metal bridge. If needed, they'll adjust the bridge to make sure it fits properly.

It can take several visits to check the fit of the metal framework. During these visits, your dentist will also make sure your bite is even. The fit depends on each patient's individual case.

If you requested a fixed bridge, your dentist may temporarily cement it in place for a few weeks. This process will allow them to ensure your bridge is fitting properly. After a few weeks, the bridge is then cemented into place.

Considerations

There are a few factors you should consider when discussing dental bridges with your dentist.

Cost

The cost of dental bridge procedures depends on the type of bridge you choose and the materials. The cost can also differ based on where you're having the procedure performed.

Dental insurance can usually pay for a percentage of the fee. However, this can depend on your individual dental plan. Make sure to speak with your insurance provider to determine your coverage.

How Long Do They Ask?

How long do dental bridges last? A temporary dental bridge can last between five and 15 years. Some can last longer depending on your oral hygiene habits.

Good oral hygiene and regular checkups can ensure your bridges last as long as possible.

Make sure to speak with your dentist to determine if there are any steps you can take to keep your bridges lasting.

Eating

Replacing your missing teeth with a dental bridge should make eating easier. In some cases, however, you might need time to adapt to having the bridge. Until you grow used to it, consider eating soft foods and cutting your food into smaller pieces.

Care

Make sure to keep your teeth healthy and strong. The success of your dental bridge often depends on the solid foundation your surrounding teeth provide.

First, make sure to brush twice a day and floss regularly. You can also use an antiseptic mouthwash daily to reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Both conditions can lead to tooth loss.

Your dentist or dental hygienist can show you how to properly brush and floss to maximize results.

Make sure to schedule regular professional cleanings as well. Your dentist can diagnose any problems during the early stages. Catching problems early on can make treatment easier and more effective.

A balanced diet and proper nutrition are also important for improving your oral health.

Here are a few foods to avoid in order to keep your teeth healthy and strong:

Dried fruit
Sticky candies
Chocolate (dark chocolate is a better alternative)
Chewable vitamins
Seltzers
Kombucha

Instead, try to eat foods that are good for your teeth. These include:

Almonds
Celery
Carrots
Leafy greens
Yogurt
Cheese
Apples

Eating fibrous vegetables, leafy greens, and dairy products can help you maintain a healthy smile. In the meantime, try to avoid sugary drinks, such as soda and red wine. Instead, make sure to drink plenty of water.

Bridge the Gap: The Main Benefits of a Temporary Dental Bridge & More

Don't let a gap in your teeth affect your smile or oral health. Instead, consider getting a temporary dental bridge before receiving a fixed bridge. Your dental bridge will restore your smile, speech, and more!

Ready to restore your smile? Schedule an appointment with our team today!

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Dr. Ehab Daas

Meet your doctor

Dr. Ehab is a passionate dentist with 15 years of dental experience. He received his D.D.S in 1997, and has practiced dentistry for 6 years since then. Immediately after that, Dr. Da'as moved to Paris to get his Orthodontics and Prosthodontic diploma's in which he specialized in fixed bridges and crowns. He graduated from France with remarkable achievements in 2005, and went on to work for 9 years, focusing on difficult orthodontics cases and satisfying his ortho patients. Dr. Ehab moved to Canada in 2014 to continue his career, where he is proud and extremely honoured to provide his patients with the highest quality service.

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