Are Dental Bridges Permanent?

At Bay City Dental Center, Dr. Matthew Ward uses a dental bridge with two or more crowns placed on the abutment of anchoring teeth to fill gaps in a smile. A dental bridge is durable, and both looks and feels like natural teeth. It is a false tooth or pontic that is made of many different materials, including gold or porcelain. They can be supported by either natural teeth or dental implants. During your consultation at our Bay City, MI dental office, he will perform a dental exam to determine if you’re a candidate for a dental bridge. We can explain the types of dental bridges we offer and how we can successfully replace teeth with a bridge.

When are dental bridges needed?

When a patient in Bay City, MI has a missing tooth or missing teeth, it affects how they chew, bite, and talk. A dental bridge from Bay City Dental Center can:

• Restore a smile

• Re-adjust a bite

• Prevent other teeth from shifting

• Maintain your face shape

• Restore your speech

How does a dental bridge work?

During your first visit to Bay City Dental Center, Dr. Ward prepares your abutment teeth by recontouring your teeth to remove enamel, allowing room for your crown. Next, he takes impressions of your teeth, which helps the lab create your custom bridge, pontic, and crowns. Then, he will place a temporary bridge to protect any exposed teeth or gums. During your second visit to our Bay City, MI dental office, your temporary is removed, and your new bridge is placed and adjusted when needed to help you achieve the best fit. This may require additional visits to make sure that your bridge is as comfortable as possible.

Is a dental bridge permanent?

No, a dental bridge is not permanent and needs to be replaced every 5 –15 years, depending on how well you care for it. A regular at-home oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing helps it last longer.

There are also times that the bridge may become damaged or loose. This is caused by decay underneath your bridge or damage to the surrounding teeth. When this happens, you will need to replace your bridge. This decay occurs most often when a bridge has a poor or loose fit. This is why it’s necessary for Dr. Ward to make adjustments as needed to ensure it fits comfortably but snugly.

Can a permanent dental bridge be removed?

It depends. Sometimes, Dr. Ward will be able to remove it and recement it if it is loose. However, the cement used to bond it is meant to last for years, so it isn’t always possible to remove it without causing damage to the teeth supporting it.

Learn more on how a dental bridge can restore your smile

At Bay City Dental Center, Dr. Matthew Ward prides himself on helping his patients throughout Bay City, MI to improve their smile’s appearance and function. He offers a variety of procedures, including dental bridges, that help replace missing teeth. To learn if you’re a candidate for a dental bridge and to schedule a consultation at our dental office, call our professional dental team today.