Temporary Dental Bridges

 

The term “temporary dental bridges” frequently gets used to describe many things inaccurately.  Some people refer to an over denture as temporary dental bridges.  And others have called flippers, or partial dentures as temporary bridges.  Strictly speaking these are not actually dental bridges.  Temporary dental fixtures are not designed to come in and out of your mouth.  Instead, they are temporary in that they are designed to hold teeth in place while more permanent dental fixtures are constructed and installed.

The common misconception here comes from referring to removable dental fixtures as temporary dental work.  Partial dentures or over dentures are sometimes referred to as temporary because they can be taken out for cleaning, or if they become uncomfortable, or for other reasons.  While this may make them an appealing solution in some cases, they are not actually temporary.  They are permanent dental appliances, which are removable.  Temporary dental work is usually more descriptive of bridges, crowns or other dental fixtures, which are used to hold the teeth in place while permanent dental fixtures are constructed.  They are not designed to be removed, in fact the permanent dental bridges or other fixtures would be installed first, except that they take time to construct, and if too much time elapses before the permanent dental bridges are installed, the teeth can shift.  In that case the permanent dental fixture would no longer fit.  So temporary bridges are used to hold the teeth in place until the permanent dental bridge can be installed.

Removable dentures or over dentures are sometimes called temporary bridges.  However, these are actually two very different things.  Bridges are permanent dental fixtures designed to replace one or two missing teeth by attaching the false teeth to crowns permanently set into the teeth adjacent to the gap.  Dentures are actually designed to be removable, and are typically used when most or all of the teeth need to be replaced.  Often a permanent fixture is set into the jaw, creating an anchor that will show through the gums so that the dentures have something to attach to.  This approach means the dentures are stable and secure when being used, but still allows them to be removed when not in use.  But they are, in fact dentures and not bridges, and they are removable rather than temporary.

Partial dentures, such as flippers, have a little more in common with permanent dental bridges.  They are designed for similar purposes – to replace a missing tooth.  However, a partial denture is still removable, while bridges are permanent dental fixtures.  For this reason, sometimes a partial denture might be referred to as a removable dental bridge, because it has the same function as a dental bridge even though it has very different construction.  A partial denture may appear similar to a retainer.  Once in place the partial denture will act as removable dental bridges using the existing teeth to hold itself in place while filling the gap with a pontic or false tooth.  This is a very effective appliance, as it will replace the missing tooth for appearance or functionality when desired, and is still able to be removed when not in use.  However, while acting as removable dental bridges, it will not have all the benefits offered by permanent dental fixtures like dental bridges.  One concern when replacing a missing tooth is that the teeth adjacent to the gap will shift over time, moving into the gap and requiring new dental appliances designed for the new fit.  Dental bridges are permanently installed so this is not a problem.  This is reason actual temporary dental bridges are used.  Even the time between the dentist taking a mold of your teeth, and your permanent dental bridges being constructed may allow enough movement that your bridges will no longer fit.  True temporary dental bridges are made out of different materials than permanent bridges, so they can be made in the dentists office while you wait.  They are temporary in that they will be replaced with permanent dental bridges, but they are not designed to be removable dental bridges.

Most people don’t like going to the dentist more than they have to, so it helps to understand why some procedures require multiple visits.  For example, receiving dental bridges often requires at least two visits and sometimes more.  The biggest reason is that for a dental bridge to be effective in its purpose, it needs to have been formed from a mold of your own teeth.  When you visit the dentist the first time, he will prepare your teeth to hold the bridge and then take the mold that will be used.  He will make a temporary bridge out of that mold and then it will typically be sent to a lab where a dental technician will construct the permanent bridge.

With bridges, both the temporary and the permanent bridge are important.  The permanent bridge is the end goal, obviously, so it is the one you really want.  It is made out of material that will help protect your existing teeth, and restore your full smile and the functionality of your teeth.  However, to make a permanent bridge that is effective requires more time than you would like to spend sitting in a dentists chair, or even their office.  You could come back and just get the permanent bridge later, except that your teeth are not as stable as you might think.  Even if your teeth are healthy, they may start to move in to the gap the bridge is designed to fill, and then the bridge would not fit.

Temporary dental bridges are a very important part of the process when getting bridges put in to replace missing teeth.  They will hold your existing teeth in place and make sure that the shape of your mouth is unchanged so that your permanent bridge will fit and will simulate your original mouth shape as closely as possible.  So if for any reason your temporary bridges come out you have a problem.  There is solution, but you will want to act fast.  The longer it takes to get the temporary bridge back in, the more chance the rest of your teeth have to shift, which will mean that your permanent bridge will not fit once it arrives.

The best option is to return to your dentist as quickly as possible to have the bridge put back in.  If that is not an option, for example if he is on vacation, then the next best option is to see another dentist.  There may even be another dentist in your dentist’s office.

If extenuating circumstance prevent seeing a dentist, or you feel uncomfortable going to a new dentist, there is a way to put it in at home, but you will want to be very careful.  You can pick up some temporary cement at the local drugstore, or a supermarket with a dental section.  Make sure the bridge and your teeth are as dry as possible before cementing the bridge back in.  Then let it set for few minutes before removing excess cement.

 

When you are getting dental bridges, you will have to put up with a temporary bridge for a couple weeks while the permanent bridges are constructed.  This temporary bridge is important in holding your teeth in place so you want to take good care of it.

While you are still numb from your visit to the dentist, you will want to be extra careful of your dental bridge.  Be careful not to bite your lip, cheek or tongue just because they are still numb.  Any unnecessary chewing means unnecessary stress on your temporary bridge.  As long as you remain numb, eat soft foods and avoid any drinks served hot.  Even if you are not numb, it is a good idea to avoid eating or chewing anything for at least thirty minutes after the temporary bridge is placed.  This will allow the cement plenty of time to set.

Brush at least two times a day.  Use a soft toothbrush, and toothpaste with fluoride.  Take extra care to make sure the area around your temporary bridge is clean.  Floss the area carefully at least once a day.  For extra measure, use an alcohol free, antibacterial mouthwash once or twice each day as well.

Be careful of eating or chewing anything that will cause stress on the temporary bridge.  Avoid chewing gum, and stay away from foods like grainy rolls, tough steaks or anything else that is going to take more chewing than necessary.  Cutting your food smaller will also save extra chewing.