A fixed porcelain bridge is a way to “bridge the gaps” made by missing teeth. Your Downey cosmetic dentist can replace one or more missing teeth by creating a fixed restoration out of an artificial tooth fused to crowns that fit over adjacent teeth.
A fixed bridge is made of three components: two abutments and a pontic.
The pontic is the centerpiece of the bridge – the fake tooth that will replace the missing tooth.
The abutments are crowns that sit on either side of the pontic. To illustrate: If you are making a sandwich, the abutments would be the bread and the pontic would be the meat and/or veggies.
The three-unit bridge is fused together as a single restoration, which not only fills the gap but also creates a strong restoration.
Porcelain fixed bridges can be made for multiple missing teeth. However, it is important to note that the more missing teeth a person has and the longer the bridge is, the less structurally sound it is.
Think of it as an actual bridge. If there are only two abutments – one at each end of the bridge – the middle of the bridge is not going to be very strong. It cannot support a lot of weight. But if a bridge has a center abutment or even multiple abutments, strength is added to the structure.
Similarly, if you only have two abutments supporting a bridge with multiple pontics, the fixed porcelain bridge will not be as structurally sound. The bite pressure it endures each day will eventually cause it to break.
Therefore, in these situations, your Downey dentist will likely recommend one of the following restorative options:
An implant-supported bridge uses implant posts to serve as abutments. For example, if you are missing three teeth, your Downey cosmetic dentist can create a three-unit bridge with two implants while leaving a space in between them.
Then, the abutment crowns would fit onto the implant posts, all of which would support the pontic that is fused between the two crowns.
An implant-supported fixed porcelain bridge is just as strong (if not stronger) than a traditional bridge.
Here are just some of the questions patients ask dentists about porcelain fixed bridges in Downey:
Fixed bridges are considered a permanent restoration. Unlike a full or partial denture, you cannot take it out. Your dentist uses a very strong bonding and cementation system to ensure the strength of your bridge.
Typically, a dental bridge can last between 10-15 years. If dental diseases develop and you fail to address them quickly enough, the bridge may need to be replaced sooner. In some cases, patients have been able to keep their bridges a lot longer due to good oral home care, dental visits, diet, and genetics.
A porcelain fixed bridge is an investment of time and money. Therefore, many patients want to make sure they keep their bridge for as long as possible.
There are three ways to do this:
1. Practice Excellent Home Care
The top two reasons dental bridges need to be replaced are periodontal (gum) disease and dental decay. Good home care can help prevent both.
Make sure to floss your bridge daily – and thoroughly – using floss threaders. Use the C-Shape flossing technique to clean under the gumline.
Brush your teeth and dental restorations at least twice a day, if not after every meal and snack. If possible, use an electric toothbrush. The smaller toothbrush head will help you navigate around the curves of the teeth and crowns so you can clean every surface and under the gums.
Talk to your dentist about whether other dental tools would benefit you, like a WaterPik.
2. Get Regular Dental Check-Ups and Cleanings
If caught in the earliest stages, dental decay (earliest stage: decalcification) and gum disease can be arrested or even reversed. Regular dental check-ups help your Downey dentist catch issues early so they can treat them before they cause significant problems, like losing your bridge.
3. Watch Your Diet
After getting a porcelain fixed bridge in Downey, make sure you stick to a healthy diet. While this will benefit your overall health, avoiding or limiting certain foods can help preserve your bridge. Sticky, sugary foods contribute to dental decay. Reducing them can keep your teeth healthy and your bridge strong.
You might think restoring a missing tooth is all about aesthetics. While that is an essential part of it, what's even more vital is the fact that restorative appliances can help keep the rest of your teeth and gums healthy and strong. Talk to your Downey cosmetic dentist to learn how!
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