Bridges and Dentures

This is a plate with one or more false teeth on it. It may be all plastic or a mixture of metal and plastic. Both types may have clips (clasps) to help keep the denture in place in your mouth. Depending on where they are, some of these clips may show when you smile or open your mouth.

Plastic partial dentures are less expensive to make. But unless they are designed very carefully they can damage the teeth they fit against.

Metal partial dentures are usually made from an alloy of cobalt and chromium, and they are much stronger. They are lighter to wear and can be supported by the remaining teeth. Although the base is metal, they have gum-coloured plastic and natural-looking teeth fixed to them. They are more expensive than plastic ones.

It can take up to 6 months for your gums to heal properly after an extraction. This means that you may need to have a temporary denture before the bridge is fitted.

Dentures may break if you drop them. Always clean your denture over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop it.

To clean your dentures, the general rule is: brush and soak every day. Brush your dentures first, to help remove any bits of food. Use a non-abrasive denture cleaner, not toothpaste. Be careful not to scrub too hard as this may cause grooves in the surface. Make sure you brush all the surfaces of the dentures, including the surface that fits against your gums. This is especially important if you use any kind of denture fixative.

Soak your dentures every day in a denture-cleaning solution. This will help remove any plaque and stubborn stains that are left. It will also help to disinfect your dentures, leaving them feeling fresher. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Don’t keep your dentures in overnight unless there are specific reasons for you to keep them in. 

Your dental team may recommend taking out your dentures at night to give your mouth a chance to rest. If you do this, it is important to leave it in water to prevent any warping or cracking.

Bridges are usually made of porcelain bonded to precious metal. Sometimes other non-precious metals are used in the base for strength. There are also new bridges made entirely of a special type of strong porcelain.

The cost will vary depending on the size and type of bridge you need. Always get a written estimate and treatment plan before starting any dental treatment. Although a bridge may seem expensive it should last many years.

Dental bridges typically don’t hurt. In fact, when your dentist is working on your teeth to prepare them for a bridge, he or she will use local anesthesia to numb the area. After the numbing agent wears off, you may experience some slight pain and sensitivity, but an over-the-counter pain medication may be all you need to feel better. If you have severe pain, contact your dentist right away because this isn’t normal.

Traditional, fixed bridges are permanently cemented in your mouth. But if you opt for a removable, partial dental bridge, then you can remove it at any time. Many patients remove bridges while they sleep and for cleaning purposes.

Dental bridges can last anywhere from five to 10 years. But sometimes, patients can use the same ones for decades! However, the durability of dental bridges is dependent on a variety of factors; including how well you take care of your teeth, where the bridges are located, and the materials used to create them.