Pros of Dental Bridges

When researching your options for missing teeth, you may have come across the term “dental bridges.” The gaps in your smile may eventually lead your other teeth to shift toward the unfilled area or perhaps worsen the condition of your jaw.

Gaps in your smile might make it challenging to eat, talk, or feel confident on a daily basis. By fixing the bad teeth and filling the gap left by a lost tooth with an artificial tooth that appears and feels natural, restorative dental treatments like dental bridges offer patients with tooth loss a solution.

What is a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges are a well-known treatment option for bad teeth and are so named because they span spaces between teeth. The treatment can be used as a front tooth replacement, giving the impression that all your teeth are intact and strong. Two crowns, one on either side of the space left by the missing tooth, make up a bridge. The bridge is secured by these crowns, also referred to as abutment teeth. Between these abutments are artificial teeth or teeth (sometimes referred to as Pontics).

Several materials, such as porcelain, gold, alloys, or a combination of other materials, may be used to create fake teeth. They are supported and retained in place by either implants or healthy teeth.

How do Dental Bridges Work?

The treatment employs synthetic teeth to replace missing ones over the long term. Typically, bridges are composed of zirconia, porcelain, metal, or a combination of the two. They are set in position and serve as a substitute for dentures for some people. Replacing front teeth with a bridge not only enhances appearance but also makes it simpler for patients to chew food and speak words.

The Benefits:

Bring Back Your Smile

A beautiful and healthy smile is something you cannot put a value on. Following the dental bridge procedure, many patients report feeling more self-assured. Have you ever felt embarrassed or tried to hide your smile in a group photo? By fixing your smile, dental bridges can enhance your quality of life.

Improved Chewing

You could find it challenging or even painful to eat your favorite meals after losing a tooth. Teeth next to the open gap may shift toward it, resulting in pain. Furthermore, food debris can accumulate in the gap left by your missing tooth and harm your gums. To soothe your pain while eating and improve your chewing, investing in dental procedures like dental bridges is a great option.

Improve Your Speaking

You can have trouble pronouncing some words or talking with a lisp if you’ve lost several teeth. You must treat the tooth loss that harmed your speech in the first place if you want to resolve these problems. Your ability to form words in your mouth depends critically on your teeth. Dental bridges assist in resolving speech problems brought on by tooth loss.

Maintain the Natural Shape of Your Face

As soon as a tooth is lost, the jawbone begins to degenerate.  The bone cells of the jawbone are stimulated by tooth roots. Your jawbone begins to degenerate in the absence of this stimulation. The form of your face might be impacted by severe jawbone degradation, which can cause further tooth loss and facial collapse. Therefore, the treatment not only bridges the gap between the teeth but also maintain the face’s shape.

Prevent Your Teeth from Shifting

Under the surface of your gums, your teeth are firmly held in place by powerful roots. Did you know that nearby teeth also help to hold your teeth in place, though? Your remaining teeth may begin to tilt toward the empty gap after considerable tooth loss.

The best course of action to stop teeth from moving is to use a dental bridge to replace the missing tooth. Too much tooth movement can cause loose teeth, which can result in more tooth loss.

How Long do Tooth Bridges Last?

A dental bridge’s lifespan can differ substantially. According to some experts, a single-tooth bridge may last between five and seven years. Some disagree, though, and claim that a bridge may last for 10 to 15 years without a problem. With proper upkeep, a bridge might potentially last a lifetime.

Several variables affect how long a bridge is expected to last. For instance, metal bridges may last forever. However, the popularity of metal bridges is decreasing due to their unpleasant appearance. Due to their advantages and aesthetics, porcelain bridges may not last as long, but many patients still think they are a wise investment.

Taking Care of Dental Bridges

If you have a dental bridge, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial because you want to keep your natural teeth strong and healthy. If you want your bridge to last a long time, maintaining good oral health is also crucial.

You have to floss and brush your bridge at least two times a day, just like you would your natural teeth. You will be shown how to properly floss and clean the area surrounding your bridge by your dentist or dental hygienist. For dental cleanings and examinations, it’s also crucial to visit your dentist frequently.

Dental Care at Robert H. Thornton

Dental bridge installations are one of the various dental services available at Robert H. Thornton. Each of our patients can obtain the highest standard of dental care thanks to the expertise and assistance of our personnel.

Whatever option you choose, our dentist will need to take imprints of your teeth or a digital image of them so that the lab can mold the bridge’s components. To make an appointment, you can either call us or visit our office.