Don't Let a Missing Tooth Hold You Back in Life

Dental Bridges: What You Need To Know

by Wyatt Morgan

A dental bridge is a dental prosthetic used to replace one or more missing teeth. It literally 'bridges' the gap created when you are missing teeth. If you are uncomfortable with your smile due to missing teeth, here's what you need to know about dental bridges.

How Do Dental Bridges Work?

A dental bridge is fabricated by taking an impression of the surrounding teeth. The bridge is then created with an artificial tooth or teeth in the middle with dental crowns on either side. The bridge is securely attached to a dental crown on each end.

Dental bridges can be made from various materials, including metals, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Your dentist will help you choose the right material for your needs, depending on where the bridge will be located in your mouth and your aesthetic preferences. 

Are There Different Types of Dental Bridges?

There are three types of dental bridges: 

  • Traditional bridges. Traditional bridges involve creating a crowned abutment tooth on each side of the empty space created by a missing tooth. These surrounding teeth act as anchors to support the artificial tooth. 
  • Cantilever bridges. Unlike traditional bridges, cantilever bridges only attach at one point. They are used when surrounding teeth are present on only one side of the empty space left behind by a missing tooth/teeth. Instead of having one crowned abutment tooth on each side like traditional bridges, cantilever bridges only require one supporting natural tooth or implant to hold the artificial tooth in place. 
  • Resin-bonded bridges. Also known as fixed partial dentures, these bridges are typically reserved for people with small gaps between their teeth. The artificial tooth is attached to adjacent teeth with metal wings or metal bands.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges offer many benefits, including restoring your smile and improving your oral health. Here are some other advantages of dental bridges:

  • Dental bridges can help to prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of position by filling the gap left by a missing tooth/teeth. 
  • Bridges make it easier to chew and speak properly by restoring bite balance. 
  • Dental bridges can improve the appearance of your smile. 
  • Bridges can also help maintain your face's shape by preventing sagging around the mouth and jawline.

Dental bridges offer several benefits for people who have lost one or more teeth due to injury or decay. Not only can they help restore your smile, but they can also improve your oral health and prevent further damage to your remaining teeth. If you think dental implants might be right for you, talk to your dentist about what type of implant would work best for you and whether or not you're a good candidate for this procedure.

For more information about dental bridges, contact a local dental office.

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