Dental bridges fill the gap left by missing teeth, restore your smile, and help you chew and speak with confidence. However, a modern dental bridge is only as good as the care you give it. Without proper maintenance, the supporting teeth can decay, your gums can become inflamed, and the bridge itself can fail prematurely.
At Dazzling Dentistry, with offices in Chicago and Arlington Heights, Dr. Margaret Radziszewski and Dr. Weronika Dabros have placed and maintained countless dental bridges. They know what it takes to keep them healthy and functional for years to come. Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Your Dental Bridge
Before we talk about care, it helps to understand what you’re dealing with.
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic that spans the gap created by one or more missing teeth. The false tooth is supported by natural teeth or implants on either side, called abutments.
The challenge is that the bridge is cemented in place. Food particles and plaque can easily get underneath or around it. If not properly cleaned, this buildup can cause decay in the abutment teeth and inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your bridge clean and healthy for many years.
The Tools You’ll Need
Caring for a dental bridge requires more than just a standard toothbrush and floss. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Soft-bristled toothbrush: Gentle on your bridge and gums.
- Non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste: Avoid whitening or tartar-control toothpastes, which can be too abrasive.
- Floss threaders or super floss: These are specially designed to thread under the bridge.
- Interdental brushes: Small brushes that fit between teeth and around the bridge.
- Water flosser: A stream of water that flushes out debris from hard-to-reach areas.
- Antimicrobial mouthwash: Helps reduce bacteria and protect your gums.
Your Chicago dentist can recommend specific products that work best for your bridge.
Proper Brushing Technique
Brushing at least twice a day is important, but technique matters just as much as frequency. Using a soft-bristled brush is important because hard bristles can scratch your bridge’s surface and irritate your gums. When you brush, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline. This helps clean the junction where the bridge meets the gums.
Use gentle circular motions rather than aggressive back-and-forth scrubbing, which can damage your gums. The area where the bridge meets the gums is especially vulnerable to plaque buildup, so spend extra time cleaning this margin. And while your bridge is an important part of your smile, don’t forget that your natural teeth need care too.
Flossing Under the Bridge
This is where bridge care gets a little more complicated and where many patients fall short. Regular floss doesn’t work because a traditional bridge is fused together, so you can’t slide regular floss between the teeth. Instead, you’ll need to use a floss threader, which looks like a needle with a loop.
You thread the floss through the loop, then guide it under the bridge. Once the floss is in place, use a gentle back-and-forth sweeping motion to remove trapped food particles and plaque. Super floss, which is thicker and spongier with a stiff end, can make it easier to thread under bridges and around appliances.
Whatever tool you use, remember to be gentle. You don’t want to damage the bridge or hurt your gums.
Water Flossers
Water flossers, like Waterpik, are excellent tools for bridge maintenance. They use a stream of water to flush out debris from hard-to-reach areas, including under the bridge. To use one effectively, aim the water stream at the gumline and under the bridge, moving slowly from tooth to tooth.
If you’re new to water flossing, start with a lower pressure setting and increase the pressure as you get used to it. Water flossers are a great addition to your routine, but they don’t replace brushing and flossing. They work best when used in combination.
Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes are small, cone-shaped brushes that fit between teeth and around bridges. They come in different sizes, so your hygienist can help you find the right one for your bridge. To use one, gently insert the brush between your teeth or under the bridge, then move it back and forth to remove plaque and debris. Replace your interdental brush when the bristles become worn or bent.
Antimicrobial Mouthwash
Mouthwash isn’t a substitute for brushing and flossing, but it can be a helpful addition to your routine. Antimicrobial mouthwash kills bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease, protects your gums, and freshens your breath as a pleasant side effect. But not all mouthwashes are created equal. Ask Dr. Radziszewski or Dr. Dabros which one they recommend for your specific needs.
Regular Dental Checkups
Even the most diligent home care routine can miss spots. This is why routine dental visits are essential.
What happens during a checkup:
- Professional cleaning: Your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar that you can’t reach at home. This is especially important around and under the bridge.
- Evaluation: Your dentist in Chicago will check the condition of your bridge, the health of your gums, and the integrity of the supporting teeth.
- Guidance: Your hygienist can show you how to improve your home care routine and recommend specific products.
- Early detection: Catching problems early means simpler, less expensive treatment.
Signs of Bridge Problems
It’s important to recognize the signs that something might be wrong with your bridge:
- Pain or sensitivity: If your bridge or the surrounding teeth hurt, there may be a problem.
- Bleeding gums: Bleeding when you brush or floss is a sign of inflammation.
- Bad breath: Persistent bad breath can indicate trapped food particles or infection.
- Loose bridge: If your bridge feels loose or shifts, see your Chicago dentist immediately.
- Visible damage: Cracks, chips, or other damage require prompt attention.
If you notice any of these signs, call your Chicago dentist right away.
How Long Do Bridges Last?
With proper care, dental bridges can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Some patients keep their bridges for 20 years or more.
Key factors:
- Good oral hygiene
- Regular dental visits
- Avoiding hard or sticky foods
- Not using your teeth as tools
- Wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth
Cost and Insurance
The cost of a dental bridge depends on the type of bridge, the material used, and the number of teeth being replaced. The typical price range is $2,000 to $5,000 for a traditional bridge (replacing one tooth).
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of bridge treatment. We are an out-of-network provider, but we file your dental insurance as a complimentary service. Our team will verify your benefits and help you understand your out-of-pocket costs. We offer flexible payment plans to make your care more affordable.
Need Help With Your Bridge?
If you have a dental bridge, proper care is essential to its longevity. Dr. Radziszewski and Dr. Dabros can evaluate your bridge, show you the best cleaning techniques, and help you maintain a healthy smile.
Call Dazzling Dentistry today:
- Call our Chicago office at (872) 276-8546; located at 6941 W. Archer Ave., Chicago, IL 60638.
- Call our Arlington Heights office at (224) 328-2452; located at 102 S. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60005.
Request an appointment online and take the first step toward a healthier smile.