Dental Bridges – Indianapolis, IN

Can You Take a Dental Bridge Out?

No, your dental bridge is not designed to be removed. One of its benefits is that it can remain in your mouth for many years, so you don’t need to worry about taking it out to clean it or soak it. Should your bridge need replacement, your dentist can remove it at that time.

Dental bridges should not be confused with partial dentures, which are sometimes referred to as “removable bridges.” These can be removed by you at any time, but genuine dental bridges cannot.

How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?

Most dental bridges last between five and fifteen years, but this will depend on the materials used and how you treat it. Metal bridges can last longer than porcelain, however this isn’t always true, nor is the difference in longevity very noticeable.

Mostly, the lifespan of your bridge depends on individual factors like your diet, oral hygiene, and any bad habits like smoking, teeth grinding, or using your teeth as tools.

Bridges that are in the front of your mouth tend to last longer than those towards the back because they do not experience as much wear and tear from chewing.

If you have an implant-supported bridge, it will likely last longer than a traditional bridge, as the implant posts can remain in place for decades and beyond with proper care.

How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?

A dental bridge can replace anywhere from one to four missing teeth in a row, but in most cases, they only replace just one or two. This is because the longer the bridge extends, the less stable it could become, especially if the teeth anchoring it in place aren’t strong and healthy. Thus, it may be too risky to replace three or more teeth at once.

Implant bridges can reduce this type of risk, as implants are just as strong and secure as your natural teeth, if not more, so speak to your dentist about this option.

Can Dental Bridges Be Whitened?

No, unfortunately no matter what your bridge is made of it cannot be whitened like your natural teeth can. That’s because your real teeth have enamel, which is full of tiny pores. When you whiten them, bleaching gels can enter those pores and break apart stains. Bridges, on the other hand, do not have those pores, so they will always remain the same color.

Your bridge is designed to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth, so they should not stand out or appear whiter or darker. To reduce the risk of your natural teeth becoming discolored and drawing attention to your bridge, speak to your dentist about getting a professional tooth whitening treatment before your bridge is placed. This will ensure that your bridge matches the ideal shade of your teeth.

How Do I Clean Under My Dental Bridge?

For the most part, your dental bridge in Indianapolis can be cleaned by brushing your teeth like you normally would. One difference is that you will have to clean the space underneath your bridge. Otherwise, bacteria can build up between your restoration and gumline, putting you at risk for gum disease and other issues.

There are a couple of different ways you can effectively clean this tight space, so choose the method that works best for you:

• Traditional floss. It helps to loop the floss through a dental threader. That way, you can more easily slide the floss underneath your bridge and out the other side. From there, simply guide the floss back and forth.
• Interdental or sulcus brush. The bristles on these brushes are placed at the end of a wire or plastic handle, and are specifically shaped to reach difficult dental nooks and crannies.
• Water flosser. These devices spray a gentle yet forceful stream of water that can be easily aimed towards the underside of your bridge. Simply point and click, and the water flosser will effectively remove bacteria and food debris.

Can Dental Bridges Get Cavities?

Bacteria don’t affect inorganic bridge materials in the same way that they do natural dental enamel. Because of this, a bridge can’t technically develop cavities. However, the teeth supporting your bridge still can! If this were to happen, it would weaken the structural integrity of your bridge, possibly causing it to come loose or fall out. So it’s still important to mitigate the bacteria content in your mouth with twice daily brushing and once daily flossing.

How Soon Can You Get a Bridge After a Tooth Extraction?

After a tooth extraction, it will take roughly 8 to 12 weeks for your gums and jawbone to fully heal. Trying to take impressions or place a dental bridge during this time isn’t a good idea, as your gums will likely be swollen, and your jawbone mass could shift slightly. Your bridge might fit in the moment, but not after your gums and bone return to normal!

Since not everyone recovers at the same pace, it’s best to ask your dentist in Indianapolis for a more personalized treatment timeline.

Are Dental Bridges Covered by Insurance?

Usually, yes. Most dental insurance plans classify a dental bridge restoration as a “major” treatment and provide coverage for about 50% of the costs. Remember that in order for these benefits to “kick-in,” though, you’ll have to meet your deductible for the year.

Some plans offer more or less coverage, often depending on the premium you pay every month. It’s important to double-check the details of your plan so you know what sort of out-of-pocket expenses to expect. If you need help understanding your dental insurance coverage, please don’t hesitate to ask our team for assistance!