Let Dr. Peck Bridge Those Gaps
Created on October 30, 2015
Pumpkins are famous for their gap-toothed smiles. It’s their trademark this time of year.
But if you are missing teeth, your smile may be a closed-mouth smile…if you are smiling at all. Missing teeth, especially front teeth, do nothing for your self-esteem, that’s for sure. On top of that, gaps in your teeth may set the stage for future dental problems.
- Chewing and biting creates energy which is transferred through your tooth into your jawbone, stimulating it to maintain a healthy bone mass. If the stimulation is missing from one or more teeth, the bone beneath the empty space begins to deteriorate and lose mass.
- A missing tooth creates an empty space. The teeth next to the space move into it to try to fill it. When your teeth move, your bite and tooth alignment become a problem.
If you are missing a tooth, you have the option of a dental implant or a dental bridge.
A dental bridge spans the gap of your missing tooth. It requires healthy teeth on each side of the space (the abutment teeth) to hold the replacement tooth (the pontic) in place. Crowns are placed onto the abutment teeth. The replacement tooth, which is made of ceramic or porcelain to your specific dimensions, sits between them, forming a bridge. This is known as a “fixed bridge.”
To prepare for a dental bridge, impressions are taken of your mouth. The abutment teeth then have some of their dentin and enamel removed to make room for the crowns. A second appointment is necessary to check the fit of the bridge. When the fit is perfect, the crowns are cemented onto the abutment teeth and you have a full set of teeth once again.
It’s important to practice good dental habits and follow your dentist’s instructions for care and maintenance of your bridge, because cavities can still form under the crowns and the bridge.
You deserve a “trademark” smile. Dr. Peck and his team at Taylor Street Dental are trained in all-ceramic bridges. Call for a consultation appointment, today: (413) 241-3264.
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