If you have one or more missing teeth, dental bridges may be the right solution for you. A bridge consists of two or more crowns and can be made from alloys, gold, or porcelain. Bridges can improve the appearance of your smile, make it easier to speak and eat and prevent your existing teeth from shifting out of place. If you take good care of your bridges, they can last more than 10 years.

Process of Getting a Dental Bridge

During your first appointment, your dentist will remove a portion of enamel of the the abutment teeth to make space for the crown. Then, he or she will make impressions of the teeth and place a temporary bridge over your teeth as the permanent bridge is being constructed. 

When you come in for your second appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary bridge and place the new bridge. He or she may have you come in for a few more visits to check the fit of the bridge.

Eating With Dental Bridges

One of the benefits of having dental bridges is that you will be able to eat a lot easier. After all, it is hard to chew certain foods if you have teeth missing. However, it may take some time for you to get used to your bridges. Until you do, you may have to eat softer foods and cut them into smaller pieces.

Taking Care of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges might not be your natural teeth, but you should still care for them like they are. Here are some tips for taking good care of your bridges:

• Brush and Floss Daily: It is important to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes and floss once a day. Doing this will reduce the risk of decay, which damages your dental bridges.
• Avoid Chewing on Objects: If you chew on a pen or another object, it can fracture your dental bridges and reduce their life expectancy. 
• Visit Your Dentist Regularly: If you have dental bridges, it's even more important to see your dentist twice a year. He or she can thoroughly check your bridges to ensure they are still in good shape.

If you are thinking about getting dental bridges, you should make an appointment to see a dentist like Scott W. Murphy, D.M.D., P.A. soon. He or she can examine you and determine if bridges are the right choice or not.