If you have gaps in your mouth created by missing teeth, you know what a hassle it can be to perform even the simplest tasks. Basic mouth movements to talk and chew food can be difficult and painful, not to mention the self-consciousness that comes from missing one or more teeth. Thankfully, a dental bridge from our Troy, MI, dentist provides a solution.
Here’s what dental bridges are and how they can help you.
What Do Dental Bridges Do?
Put simply, a traditional dental bridge fills in an empty space in your mouth with .
Our dentist uses the teeth on either side of the gap like anchors to hold the false teeth down. Depending on your preference, these teeth can be made from porcelain, gold, alloys or any combination of the three.
Dental bridges have many benefits, including:
- Restoring your smile
- Improving your ability to chew and speak
- Maintaining or restoring your face’s natural shape
- Evening out your bite
If you don’t replace missing teeth, your remaining teeth will begin to shift over time, undoing any dental work you’ve had done over the years. Bridges can prevent that from happening by filling in the gaps caused by missing teeth.
Tooth bridges tend to be more affordable than dental implants and don’t require oral surgery during placement, which makes them an attractive, accessible option for many people. Once your bridge is attached, your smile will look and feel as good as new.
Types of Dental Bridges
If you’re considering a custom dental bridge, you might be wondering which form of the restoration would be the most effective solution for replacing your exact number and configuration of missing teeth. There are several , each suited to different needs and situations. Our dentist can walk you through the possibilities and will ultimately settle on one that works best.
- Traditional Bridges: These are the most common type and consist of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) anchored by dental crowns placed on the adjacent natural teeth. Traditional bridges are durable and ideal in areas with healthy surrounding teeth.
- Cantilever Bridge: Used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth, cantilever bridges involve securing the pontic to a single crown on one side. This type is less common and typically used in areas of the mouth that are under less stress, such as the front teeth.
- Maryland Bridges: Also known as resin-bonded bridges, these are made of a metal framework with porcelain fused to metal or ceramic teeth. The framework is bonded to the back of the adjacent natural teeth, minimizing the need for crowns and preserving more of the natural tooth structure.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: These bridges are anchored by dental implants rather than crowns. An implant-supported bridge is a good option when multiple teeth are missing and a surgical solution isn’t opposed, providing superior stability and jawbone stimulation compared to other types of bridges.
Because they’re made from durable materials, bridges provide you with a long-term solution for tooth replacement. The lifespan of a dental bridge typically ranges from 5 to 15 years, depending on oral hygiene, daily habits, and regular dental care. With proper brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings, a well-made bridge can last even longer.
Alternative Options to a Bridge
If you’re unsure whether a dental bridge is the right option, we do offer alternatives at Mosaic Dental. Dental implants, which are placed into the jawbone by a local oral surgeon and later topped with crowns by our dentist, provide a permanent solution but may require a longer healing time and higher cost.
Make an Appointment Today
Our , is always happy to answer any questions you may have about your oral health and specifically, your tooth replacement options. Contact us by calling Mosaic Dental today at (248) 528-2270 to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.
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