Tooth loss affects far more people than you’d think. In fact, roughly 180 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Assuming they have sufficient oral health, that makes them eligible to receive a dental bridge! These restorations are effective at filling the gap in your smile, but they offer far more benefits than that alone. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or multiple consecutive teeth in either your top or bottom arch, you’ll want to give Avion Dental & Orthodontics a call to consider your tooth replacement options. After your consultation with one of our dentists, you may realize a dental bridge is perfect for you!
A dental bridge consists of several crowns that have been fused together to create one larger restoration. To fill the gap in your smile after a tooth is lost, the bridge attaches to nearby healthy teeth that have been slightly modified, similar to dental crowns. On either end of the bridge, the crown is hollowed out so it can fit securely over your natural tooth.
If you are missing a single tooth or multiple teeth in a row, a dental bridge can fill the gap and make your smile look and feel complete again. However, if you have any existing dental conditions (i.e. gum disease, tooth decay, etc.), then you’ll need to get these issues taken care of first.
Before you receive a dental bridge, you’ll need to complete a consultation at our office so we can better understand the current state of your oral health. This appointment also gives our dentists a chance to see how many teeth you need to replace and which specific bridge would best suit your needs. Below, you can read about the different options available to you.
A traditional bridge relies on existing teeth to remain in place, which means they’ll need to be permanently modified for the bridge to be secure. While this is the fastest and most affordable option, it may not be ideal for those who want to keep as much natural tooth structure as possible.
Combining a bridge with a dental implant is a fantastic way to give your tooth replacement more stability and longevity. Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed inside of the jaw and restore the root of your tooth. While they can be expensive upfront and take a long time to receive, they are the best long-term solution for tooth loss.
While you may not think you need to replace teeth, especially if it’s not visible in your smile, you’ll want to reconsider. Getting a dental bridge provides many benefits that you may not have thought about before, including:
Of course, these benefits are just the tip of the iceberg. To learn more, schedule a consultation with one of our dentists today!