Dental Bridges

Not really. Your dentist uses local anesthetic during tooth preparation, so you won't feel the enamel removal. After the numbness wears off, expect some sensitivity for a few days. Your temporary bridge might feel slightly awkward at first, but you'll adjust quickly. Once the permanent bridge is in, most people forget it's not their natural teeth within a week or two.

With the temporary bridge (days 2-5), stick to soft foods e.g. pasta, eggs, scrambled dishes, soup. Temporary bridges aren't as strong as permanent ones. Once your permanent bridge is cemented, wait 24 hours for the cement to fully set, then you're good to eat normally. Avoid extremely hard foods like ice or hard candies that could damage any dental work. Otherwise, your bridge should handle regular chewing just fine.

Not if it's done right. Quality clinics in Vietnam use the same dental ceramics and porcelain as Western clinics, brands like Ivoclar, 3M, Vita. Your dentist will match the color to your surrounding teeth using shade guides. The shape and size are customized to your mouth. Most people can't tell the difference between a well-made bridge and natural teeth. If aesthetics are your priority, ask for all-porcelain or zirconia rather than PFM (which can show a metal line at the gumline).

Brush twice daily like normal teeth. The tricky part is flossing under the pontic (false tooth). You'll need a floss threader or interdental brush to clean underneath where the fake tooth sits above your gumline, food can get trapped there. Your dentist will show you the technique. Water flossers work great for bridges. Keep up with 6-month dental cleanings to catch any issues early.

Most bridges last 10-15 years with proper care. Some last 20+ years. It depends on oral hygiene, the material used, and wear patterns. Zirconia bridges tend to last longer than PFM. The supporting teeth are the weak point, if they develop decay or fail, the whole bridge fails. That's why daily cleaning is crucial.

This is the main risk with bridges. If a tooth under one of the crowns develops decay, your dentist will need to remove the entire bridge, treat the tooth (possibly with a root canal), and make a new bridge. That's why dentists stress oral hygiene. Keep those supporting teeth healthy. Quality clinics in Vietnam will check the health of adjacent teeth thoroughly before making a bridge.

Vietnam's dental tourism scene has exploded because the value is unmatched:

• International-standard clinics equipped with German/Japanese technology (CAD/CAM systems, digital X-rays, CT scanners)
• Experienced prosthodontists trained, many with 15-25 years specializing in bridges and restorative work
• 75-85% cost savings using the exact same materials as Western clinics
• Fast completion (5-7 days vs. multiple weeks of appointments at home)
• English-speaking teams experienced with international patients
• Vacation bonus: combine dental work with exploring Hanoi's old quarter, Ha Long Bay, HCMC's energy, or Da Nang's beaches.