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Dental bridges are a great solution for missing or decayed teeth. Bridges “bridge” the gap created by missing teeth by placing two crowns on each side of the gap that hold the false tooth in place.

Unfortunately, dental bridges aren’t known to last a lifetime as other treatments like dental implants do. So most patients with bridges will eventually experience complications at some point down the road.

What common problems do dental bridges tend to cause?

1. The Bridge Falls Off

Bridges need to fit perfectly over your teeth to ensure its strength and effectiveness. When it doesn’t fit perfectly on your teeth, it is very likely that it will fall off. A poorly designed bridge is a common cause of this problem. If the bridge isn’t well-designed at the lab for your specific situation, it will most likely fall off. If your dentist doesn’t notice the defects or fails to fit the bridge properly, your bridge can pop off very easily.

2. The Bridge Looks or Feels Unnatural

The main reason people get dental bridges is to boost their confidence that was weakened by missing or decayed teeth. If your bridge looks unnatural, you’ll find that you’re still feeling insecure about your smile. A common problem that patients face is discolored bridges. Because the bridge doesn’t match the color of the rest of their teeth, the bridge won’t look natural.

Also, sometimes bridges aren’t lined up correctly with the rest of your teeth, which can be unappealing. Many people with dental bridges become frustrated that after paying a large amount of money to get a bridge, they end up with uncomfortable or unappealing bridges instead of the natural-looking and feeling results they deserve.

3. Tooth Decay

Keeping up with oral hygiene is especially important when you have a dental bridge. Cavities can form beneath the crowns of the bridge as bacteria can easily build up without being noticed. When the tooth under a crown decays, the bridge is no longer secured tightly in place, which can cause it to fall off. A special tool is needed to clean underneath the bridge that will help it last longer by removing decay-causing bacteria.

Bridges can be extremely effective in replacing missing or decayed teeth, but as with anything, come with some downsides. People with bridges often run into common issues that can hinder the effectiveness and appearance of their bridge. If you’re considering getting dental bridges, be sure to look out for the problems listed above, and ask your cosmetic dentist if bridges would be the best option for you.

If you are interested in finding out more about dental bridges, contact our Westerville dentists through our website or call us directly at 614-882-1135. Westerville Dental Associates remains committed to being the very best at providing patients with optimal care, while making them feel right at home.