Why a Dental Bridge is a Good Restorative Option

Created on July 15, 2018

Severe disease or injury can lead to tooth loss or the need for extraction. Fortunately, dental medicine has improved significantly throughout the past century. We now have solutions for all degrees of tooth loss. These include partial dentures, bridges, and dental implants. Each technique for replacing teeth has advantages and disadvantages. Here we discuss what a dental bridge is and why it may be a good option for restoring appearance and chewing function.

What is a bridge?

A dental bridge is aptly named because it follows the same fundamental characteristic of the bridges we see on land: they connect two structures. In the case of missing teeth, a dental bridge is intended to close the gap that spans between remaining teeth. Even if the missing tooth is located at the very back of the mouth, it is possible to fill space with a bridge. In this instance, the (cantilever) bridge contains one crown and an artificial tooth that sits on the gums. In the standard bridge, two crowns affix to teeth on each side of open space. This model allows an artificial tooth to sit stably where a natural tooth once existed.

What a Bridge Can Do

The purpose of a dental bridge is to close space. However, several benefits result from doing this. First, the smile is restored, and you can feel confident about your appearance. Closing space is also a critical step in preserving facial structure. It is important to remember that teeth are integral to the contours of the cheeks. If teeth are not replaced, hollowing tends to result over time. When space exists in the mouth, there is also a chance that surrounding teeth will move, causing the bite to become imbalanced. A dental bridge does have special needs when it comes to cleaning, but nothing extraordinary; just a technique that cleans under the artificial tooth, so gum tissue does not become inflamed. On the other hand, a well-maintained bridge can last up to 15 years.

The team at Taylor Street Dental cares about your smile. Learn more about cost-effective options for tooth replacement or schedule your preventive checkup and cleaning by calling our Springfield office at (413) 781-7645.

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