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Losing one or more teeth can be devastating. However, it's actually pretty common. Many people lose teeth for different reasons, and whatever yours is, the good news is, there are options for you to consider for replacement, including dental bridges.
As you can tell from the name, a dental bridge acts as a bridge between two teeth with a gap between because of missing teeth. A bridge has two or more crowns for the teeth at either end of the gap serving as the anchors. The false tooth or teeth are in between. Dental bridges may be supported by either natural teeth or by implants.
If dental bridges are something you're considering, this post from Dental House MI is for you as we'll provide you with info that can help you make a decision:
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges come with several advantages. Here are some of them:
1. Aesthetics. If you're missing teeth, it can affect how your teeth and the spaces between them look. Dental bridges can improve the look of your smile and make you feel better about your appearance.
2. Health. Your missing teeth can affect how you bite, chew, and speak, affecting your overall oral health. A dental bridge can restore the function and aesthetics of your smile while helping you maintain good oral health.
3. Improved oral hygiene. If you're missing a tooth, plaque and food can easily get trapped on the surrounding teeth, which can lead to the development of cavities. A dental bridge can help prevent this by covering the missing tooth's area.
4. Support. Natural teeth adjacent to the space can move due to the missing tooth, which can affect their overall condition. A dental bridge can prevent this by providing support for the natural teeth.
5. Cost-effectiveness. Dental bridges can be more cost-effective than other options for replacing missing teeth.
In addition to the advantages mentioned above, dental bridges can also improve the functionality of your smile, improve your self-confidence and help you eat, speak and smile.
Different Types of Dental Bridges
1. Traditional Dental Bridges.
These are the most common type of bridges, and they're supported by two adjacent teeth. Traditional dental bridges are typically made of gold or porcelain, and they cover one or two adjacent teeth at the front of the mouth. Traditional dental bridges are semi-permanent, which means they stay in your mouth for several years until your natural teeth become strong enough to support the bridge anchors.
2. Cantilever Dental Bridges.
These are the most common types of traditional dental bridges. One or two teeth support them, and they're mounted on the rest of the teeth with the help of a bar without the use of cements. Cantilever dental bridges are more stable than other types of bridges as they're attached to a single row of teeth, which reduces the risk of breaking or coming out of your mouth.
3. Fixed Dental Bridges.
As their name suggests, fixed dental bridges remain in your mouth permanently. Two teeth support them on the opposite side of the gap between the teeth, and they're attached to the adjoining teeth with the help of metal clasps or cement. Fixed bridges are designed to last for years in your mouth.
4. Removable Dental Bridges.
Just like the name suggests, removable dental bridges are designed to be taken out of the mouth. Two adjacent teeth support them with the help of metal clasps or cement. They're slightly less expensive than other types of dental bridges.
5. Dental Bridge Implants.
You have options when it comes to dental bridge implants. Implants work the same way as traditional dental bridges, although different. Dental bridge implants require a surgical procedure to replace one or several missing teeth and are anchored on the jawbone with the help of a screw or fixture. Dental bridge implants require a longer time to heal and settle, which means you won't be able to use one immediately. It's also important to note that dental bridge implants are slightly more expensive than traditional dental bridges.
Conclusion
You don't have to let missing teeth—or lost dental functionality—get you down. If you're ready to get back your smile, you're in the right place. With dental bridges, you can restore your smile. Knowing your options and understanding how they work is key to making the right decision. Of course, a trusted local dentist can help you choose the best one for you.
Dental House MI, offers you the expert services of a trusted local dentist in Waterford, who can handle dental restoration cases and more. Contact us today to set an appointment!
