If you need a tooth replacement, you should learn more about the importance of a dental bridge. A dental bridge is a popular and viable option for anyone who needs a replacement tooth or replacements for more than one tooth. Continue reading to learn how dental bridges can benefit your dental health.
What is the purpose of a dental bridge?
A dental bridge can keep your smile in good working condition and keep it attractive. A dental bridge is used to replace a missing tooth. If you have a missing tooth or more than one, you could face detrimental dental structure damage, in addition to the following:
- You could be more at risk for periodontal disease, a serious form of gum disease that causes gum recession and tooth loss.
- The alignment of your teeth can begin to shift, causing crooked and weakened teeth. This will also affect your smile and facial structure.
- When your other teeth begin to change position, they may become loose and fall out.
- You will have an increased risk of tooth decay and tooth damage due to the extra work the other teeth will be doing to make up for the lack of a tooth or teeth.
- You will most likely also experience discomfort in your teeth and gums from the extra pressure they are receiving without a tooth in place.
- You could suffer speech impediments since you are not used to speaking with missing teeth.
- You may not be able to eat your favorite foods due to lack of chewing power.
A dental bridge can combat all of these issues and more. Dental bridges will provide support for other teeth, giving you more chewing strength, and you will be able to speak naturally again. Since dental bridges include the use of crowns for an anchor, the teeth that are covered with crowns will have increased protection from decay and damage.
How does a dental bridge stay in place?
Unlike most dentures options, dental bridges are fixed teeth replacements that will stay in place unless removed by a dentist. Dental bridges are secured by healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth. The support teeth are called abutment teeth. The abutment teeth will be covered with strong, tooth-colored crowns that will work as an anchor for your realistic-looking artificial tooth that will be placed in the space of your missing tooth. We can also provide dental bridges for people who are missing more than one tooth, as long as a few strong, healthy teeth are available to be used as anchors. Dental bridges can also be placed on dental implants for an extra durable and permanent tooth replacement.
The process of receiving a dental bridge will take two to three visits in most cases, so we are able to make the perfect bridge fit for your dental structure. A properly fitted dental bridge will last you for years. To learn more about the importance of a dental bridge, give us a visit.
