Dental Bridges

When you look at a dental bridge and a dental implant after they have been placed, there is not much difference between the two appearance-wise as they both mimic the look of natural teeth. Installing a dental bridge is faster than surgically implanting dental implants and they require little to no healing time after the fact. The main advantage of dental implants is that they are durable and can often last a lifetime. There are pros and cons to both services and the best solution usually depends on the patient’s unique situation, preferences, and needs.

Bridges are permanent dental restorations that cannot be removed from the mouth without the help of a dentist. Dental bridges can last anywhere from ten to fifteen years on average, and it is not uncommon for them to last even longer if they are treated with care. The best thing to do to help ensure that your bridge lasts for as long as possible is to maintain a thorough oral care routine at home, visit your dentist regularly for routine exams and cleanings, and avoid putting unnecessary stress on your bridge whenever possible.

Fortunately, there are no food restrictions after you receive your new dental bridge. A good rule of thumb is to simply not eat or chew on anything that you wouldn’t eat or chew with natural teeth. We recommend patients stay away from foods that are particularly hard or sticky for a few days after getting a bridge placed or at the very least, chew these foods using the other side of the mouth. Once the bridge has had time to settle, you are free to resume your normal eating habits.