Everything You Need to Know About Dental Bridges
If you’re missing teeth, you likely are wondering if anything can be done. Missing teeth are more than a cosmetic concern: when you’re missing a tooth, you may struggle to eat and speak as you normally do. Fortunately, dental bridges can be used to fill in the gaps. They restore your mouth’s natural look and function.
At Distinctive Dental Solutions, we provide a full range of restorative dental services, and bridgework is one of the many solutions you can choose from. Here’s everything you need to know about dental bridges and their benefits.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that is applied to the teeth adjacent to a gap. The artificial tooth fills in the gap left over by a missing tooth, which then completes your smile and makes it easier to chew and speak. We provide the information you need to decide if dental bridgework is right for you. A few points to consider include:
- It’s only possible to attach traditional dental bridges if the surrounding teeth are strong enough to support them. If not, you may need a bridge that is supported by a tooth implant.
- Dental bridges can replace up to three consecutive teeth.
- With a dental bridge, you will prevent shifting and preserve your bite.
- Dental bridges require special flossing tools, so talk to our dentists to learn more.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are different types of dental bridges depending on your specific needs. Here at Distinctive Dental Solutions, we can help you find the right option based on your individual goals. The location and type of teeth that are missing, as well as other factors, will impact which type would be best:
- Traditional Dental Bridges. If you have healthy teeth surrounding the gaps, a traditional dental bridge can be applied. These are made of false teeth that are anchored to adjacent teeth using dental crowns.
- Cantilever Dental Bridges. These are similar to traditional bridges, except only one tooth is used as an anchor. As such, this is ideal for replacing molars.
- Maryland Dental Bridges. These bridges contain a porcelain or metal framework as anchors rather than dental crowns.
- Implant-Supported Dental Bridges. A dental implant replaces a natural tooth’s roots, which are then used to hold the bridge in place.
Why Do I Need a Dental Bridge?
Missing teeth can cause the rest of your teeth to shift in alignment. Your bite can change, and you may experience discomfort and chewing difficulties as a result. Understandably, you may also feel self-conscious about the way your smile looks.
Dental bridges can prevent these issues from occurring. Tooth decay, injuries and gum disease can lead to tooth loss and long-term complications. If you’ve already experienced such issues, dental bridgework can restore your smile.
Contact a Dentist to Learn More
If you’re missing teeth, dental bridgework may be the right choice to improve your smile. Contact our team at Distinctive Dental Solutions to learn more about our restorative dental services.
