Are Bridges Good for Missing Teeth?
Missing teeth leave unsightly gaps that will taint any smile. A series of negative events can cascade just because of having missing teeth. You will have to deal with pronunciation issues, trouble chewing, poor dental aesthetics, bone deterioration, and much more. That’s why you need dental bridges in Flower Mound, TX, to replace the missing teeth.
Missing teeth are nothing new, and millions of Americans seek different replacement methods every other day. So, if you need a quick tooth replacement solution, you can visit our dentist in Flower Mound to get dental bridges for missing teeth.
Dental Bridge 101
If you have not been acquainted with dental bridges in Flower Mound, TX, just know that they “bridge” the space that is left when you lose a tooth. Besides replacing the missing tooth, dental bridges play a crucial role in keeping the teeth on either side of the gap from becoming loose.
So, for the bridge to be effective, it consists of two main parts, pontics (false tooth) and crowns. A typical crown has two crowns that are attached to the false tooth. The false tooth is at the center, while the two crowns are attached on either side of the false tooth.
The purpose of the crowns is to hold the bridge in place when they are placed in the mouth. Therefore, a bridge will need you to have two healthy teeth on either side of the gap. This is because the crowns that hold the false tooth in place need to be attached somewhere. So, these teeth become the anchor teeth, better known as abutment teeth.
Who Needs a Dental Bridge?
Your teeth were designed to function together. So, when you are missing a tooth or two, the nearby teeth can begin to shift into the gaps. Also, the teeth in the opposite jaw can move toward the space.
So, dental bridges are suited for anyone who has missing teeth. But the only caveat is that you should have healthy abutment teeth since these teeth are critical in keeping the bridge stable.
Types of Bridges
The beauty of going for bridges is that there are four different types that you can choose from based on your wishes and needs. Here they are:
- Traditional Bridges
These are the conventional bridges that are mostly used and consist of a false tooth and two crowns. They are an excellent option when you have strong and healthy teeth on either side of the gap. These bridges are usually sturdy and are suitable for replacing molars and premolars.
- Maryland Bridges
On the other hand, we have Maryland bridges that are a more conservative type of bridge as compared to the other bridges. Instead of using two crowns for anchorage, the false tooth is attached to a porcelain or metal framework.
The metal or porcelain framework is attached to the back of your teeth on either side of the gap. This means that the teeth adjacent to the gap will not have to be prepped for dental crowns, which involves the removal of some of the enamel. They are a good option if you want to replace missing front teeth.
- Cantilever Bridges
These bridges are less common than the others, but they are still a viable missing tooth replacement option. They are similar to traditional bridges with one glaring difference; they have one crown attached to the false tooth instead of two. They are a good replacement option when you have one natural tooth close to the gap.
- Implant-Supported Bridges
Out of the dental bridges, implant-supported bridges are the most stable. These bridges don’t rely on adjacent teeth for anchorage but dental implants. Tooth implants, which are root-sized titanium rods, are surgically inserted into your jawbone. Once your jawbone heals, our dentist will place the dental bridge, and just like that, your smile will be revamped.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
Replacing missing teeth will always have tons of benefits. Some of them will include:
- Restoring facial structural integrity
- Distributing the biting force
- Restoring your speech
- Restoring the appearance of your smile
- Preventing the other teeth from becoming loose
Dental bridges can do so much for your smile and self-confidence. Plus, they can last for more than 15 years if you practice proper oral care.
So, if you want to get dental bridges for missing teeth, contact our dentist in Flower Mound at Smile Craft Dental, and we would love to revamp your smile.