Are Dental Bridges Permanent Restorations?

A dental bridge is not a permanent restoration despite the changes that the neighboring natural teeth will go through for the treatment. However, there are different types available, each one capable of meeting your dental needs. Your dentist can present both permanent and removable options. Here are the details on the impermanence of a dental bridge.

Permanent or removable restorations

This type of dental restoration can last for 10-30 years. Even so, research says that a dental bridge is not a permanent solution in cosmetic dentistry. There are factors that impact the longevity of this dental restoration. Here are a few of them:

• The skills and experience of the dentist in placing the dental bridge can influence the effectiveness of this restoration. That is why choosing the right dentist is important.
• A person’s general oral health is a consideration as well. A dental bridge can only be effective with healthy teeth, gums, and jawbone. Problems in these components can reduce the stability of these restorations.
• One’s daily oral care routine is important in maintaining the dental bridge’s integrity. Seeing the dentist for regular dental cleanings can also help make this restoration last for a long time.

Lasting restorations

Permanent bridges stay in place. The patient cannot remove them. This type of dental bridge has at least one synthetic tooth. This restoration uses dental implants or abutment teeth for support. Permanent bridges are cantilever, resin-bonded, and fixed bridges. A permanent dental bridge involves different types of attachment. It can address specific cases of tooth loss.

The attachment of these restorations involves preparing the nearest teeth to the dental gap. These abutment teeth need to decrease in size so that the crowns can fit over them. The dentist will grind away a large portion of the dental structure. The dentist will cement the dental crown to the supporting teeth. Dental implants that serve as abutment teeth will also be permanent anchors.

A permanent dental bridge has significant longevity. Proper oral care and hygiene can help these restorations for many years. They can then provide a highly functional, efficient, and stable tooth loss solution. The patient needs to commit to its care and maintenance to achieve this.

Removable options

The patient can have the option of having a removable dental bridge. This type of restoration is not fixed in place. Instead, there is a framework that holds the synthetic teeth. There could also be an attachment to the adjacent teeth or implants. Removable overdentures allow the patient to clean them and their anchors better.

Magnets and clasps are two of the most common methods of attachment for removable dental bridges. These attachments provide stability but still allow easy maintenance. Proper cleaning can happen at home this way. It can also help prevent gum irritation and plaque accumulation.

Making the choice

Either a permanent or removable dental bridge will result in a good investment for one’s oral health. Choosing the right type will allow the patient to get restorations that fit one’s lifestyle. The dentist can help determine the right type of dental bridge. Here are the factors to consider:

• General oral health
• Budget
• Number of missing consecutive teeth
• Patient’s preference