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, dental bridges provide a solution. Read on to learn more about what dental bridges are and how they can help you.
What Do Dental Bridges Do?
Put simply, dental bridges fill in your mouth’s empty space with false teeth. Dentists use 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.
are a great option for replacing a missing tooth or teeth. 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.
Dental bridges tend to be more economical than dental implants, which makes them an attractive option for many people. They also don’t require bone grafting beforehand. Once your bridge is attached, your smile will look and feel as good as new.
Types of Dental Bridges
The type of dental bridge you’ll need largely depends on the condition of the surrounding teeth. come in three basic types: traditional, cantilever, and Maryland.
- Traditional bridges, the most common, use crowns or implants as the “anchors” on either side of the missing teeth. Artificial teeth are then attached to these crowns to create a seamless piece that looks and feels natural.
- When you have teeth adjacent to only one side of your missing teeth, dentists use a cantilever bridge. The artificial tooth or teeth is attached to a crown on one side, which is used to cap the adjacent tooth.
- Finally, Maryland bonded bridges have a metal framework which dentists bond directly to your adjacent teeth. This method does not require a crown to be placed on the adjacent teeth; rather, the metal “wings” hold the artificial tooth in place.
Our dentist will talk to you to determine what type of bridge would work best for your unique situation. Because they’re made from durable material, dental bridges provide you with a long-lasting solution to missing teeth. With proper care, dental bridges can last longer than 10 years.
Bridges are a tooth replacement option that works for most patients. If you want to bring confidence and comfort back to your smile, talk with our dentist today about getting dental bridges.
Ready to Make an Appointment?
Dr. Giera is always happy to answer any questions you may have about your oral health. To learn more about your tooth replacement options, contact the Troy bridge dentist at Mosaic Dental by calling (248) 528-2270 or request an appointment online.
[This blog post has been updated.]
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