Since millions of adults now get braces for health and cosmetic reasons, there are a growing number of patients who have permanent dental appliances like bridges. It’s natural to wonder can I get braces with a bridge.
Orthodontists are experienced in applying braces even when patients have permanent dental restorations, such as bridges and crowns. However, though you can still receive orthodontic treatment if you have a bridge, treatment could be more complicated depending on the situation.
Continue reading to learn more about getting braces with a bridge, including potential complications you can expect.
Want to find out if you or your child needs braces? Visit Reese Orthodontics in Charleston, SC for leading orthodontic care.
What is a bridge?
Bridges help restore your bite by replacing missing teeth with an appliance that holds artificial teeth in place. Bridges are supported by crowns, which allow orthodontists to create a façade on the surrounding teeth sufficiently shaped to apply the bridge.
Bridges are often needed to correct bite and chewing problems, as well as cosmetic issues with your smile. In addition to giving patients more confidence, bridges can also relieve pressure on the jaw caused by an incorrect bite, which can help with certain kinds of jaw and tooth pain.
Types of bridges
There are four types of bridges that patients can receive from an orthodontist to correct these issues. They include traditional, cantilever, resin-bonded, and implant-supported bridges.
Traditional bridge
Traditional bridges are made by connecting multiple crowns to a filler tooth. The bridges are made from metal, porcelain, ceramic, or a combination of materials.
Implant-supported bridge
Implants create the structure for this bridge rather than the attachments to the outside of the teeth used by a traditional bridge. Structurally, they are otherwise similar to traditional bridges.
Cantilever bridge
Only one tooth is connected to the bridge in a cantilever bridge. This type could be used when the patient has teeth on only one side of the gap.
Resin-bonded bridge
This type of bridge is made from porcelain bonded to a ceramic or metal bridge. It is used when the patient is missing multiple front teeth.
How braces can affect your bridge
No matter the cause for your bridge or the type you need, braces can interfere with your appliance. Braces move teeth by applying gradual force along the arch created by the wire, which affects your teeth as well as the ligaments that hold them in place.
Since braces may be attached to teeth that have been restored using a bridge and crown, patients should be aware of the potential drawbacks of having both at the same time.
The force applied by braces, which moves your real teeth into their new positions, can damage a bridge. This is because a bridge is not designed to move or to have that force applied to it. The bridge may become dislodged, skewed, or damaged because of braces.
However, your orthodontist can address the damage to a bridge caused by your braces. This damage is usually only cosmetic and can be permanently repaired after your braces come off.
This will require additional visits, however, and will increase the total cost of your treatment, factoring in the repair costs. Therefore, we recommend following three simple steps to ensure that your treatment is as cost-effective as possible.
Treatment steps for getting a bridge with braces
- Do research before beginning treatment – This is so you can find out whether you need metal, ceramic, or lingual braces, as well as if Invisalign is a better treatment option for your situation. After you decide on a type of braces, you can research its impact on a potential bridge or crown.
- Talk to your provider – Your orthodontist will know the best way to approach your treatment needs. If you need a bridge for cosmetic reasons, they will likely suggest that you receive this treatment after your braces or Invisalign have been removed, to avoid potentially damaging the restoration and interfering with the straightening process. Ask them to help you create a plan that’s right for you.
- Maintain oral hygiene – Oral hygiene is important while you wear your braces, especially if you have opted to wear them with a pre-existing bridge. Plaque buildup can cause damage to appliances and prevent your treatment from being as efficient as expected.
Choose Reese Orthodontics
If you’re an adult who is considering braces, you need professional advice on your treatment and payment options. For orthodontic treatments in Charleston, SC, Reese Orthodontics offers the latest technology and treatment plans. Our advanced and comfortable orthodontic treatments can be customized to suit your needs. A consultation with Reese Orthodontics includes scans, a comprehensive exam, and a conversation with the orthodontist to discover which treatment options are right for you.
Schedule an appointment with us today to stay ahead of your oral health and receive the best possible treatment in your area.