Dental Bridges: When They’re Needed & Benefits
Whether you lost a tooth because of an injury or another condition such as gum disease, it can be hard not to feel self-conscious about your smile. Our Canton, MI, dentists understand this all too well and have interacted with many patients who are curious about . One such treatment that can help is the dental bridge procedure.
Here’s what you should know about .
Reasons to Consider Tooth Replacement
A missing tooth is just a gap in your smile, right? Not quite. There are more motivations behind replacing teeth than just aesthetics. For instance, if you have recently had a tooth knocked out due to an accident, you may have more trouble speaking properly or chewing your food.
Read More → The Life-Changing Benefits of Replacing Missing Teeth
Our dentists want you to have a happy, healthy smile. If that means introducing restorative options like a dental bridge, dental implants, or dentures, then we’ll work with you to give you what you need most.
Situations That May Require a Dental Bridge
How are you supposed to know when you should mull over the idea of ? Well, there are a few qualifications that make someone eligible for such a restoration. One of those centers around your self-confidence. How do you feel about your smile now? If you’re not satisfied with what you see in the mirror or in pictures, it may be time for a change. The dental bridge process will create a seamless smile thanks to natural-looking dental crowns as well as boost your self image.
Generally, our dentists may recommend a dental bridge if you have:
- Noticeable bite issues (how your top and bottom teeth come together)
- Difficulty chewing foods
- Pain due to the increased stress on your teeth and jaw
- One or more permanent teeth missing
If you identify with any of the above, give our Canton, MI, dental office a call and we can discuss next steps. We’ll need to first take a closer look at your mouth and assess your current oral health to make sure nothing else needs to be addressed before the traditional dental bridge is created.
Types of Dental Bridges
If you’re considering a custom dental bridge, you might be wondering which form of the restoration would be the most effective solution for replacing your exact number and configuration of missing teeth. There are several types of dental bridges, each suited to different needs and situations. Our dentists can walk you through the possibilities and will ultimately settle on one that works best.
- Traditional Bridges: These are the most common type and consist of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) anchored by dental crowns placed on the adjacent natural teeth. Traditional bridges are durable and ideal in areas with healthy surrounding teeth.
- Cantilever Bridge: Used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth, cantilever bridges involve securing the pontic to a single crown on one side. This type is less common and typically used in areas of the mouth that are under less stress, such as the front teeth.
- Maryland Bridges: Also known as resin-bonded bridges, these are made of a metal framework with porcelain fused to metal or ceramic teeth. The framework is bonded to the back of the adjacent natural teeth, minimizing the need for crowns and preserving more of the natural tooth structure.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: These bridges are anchored by dental implants rather than crowns. An implant-supported bridge is a good option when multiple teeth are missing and a surgical solution isn’t opposed, providing superior stability and jawbone stimulation compared to other types of bridges.
The Benefits That Come With Dental Bridges
Along with other restorative dental procedures, dental bridges pose many benefits to the patient. Of course, the main benefit is a filled in gap, but there are others you should keep in mind if a bridge is in your cards. Tooth bridges also tend to be more affordable than dental implants and don’t require oral surgery during placement, which makes them an attractive, accessible option for many people.
If you choose a dental bridge, it can lead to:
- Restored chewing and speaking ability
- More confidence when smiling
- A reduced risk of other teeth moving out of place (into the gap left open)
- Maintained face structure
Our dentists understand that you may be coming to us in a vulnerable state. Not having all of your teeth can feel embarrassing for some which is why we have created a judgment-free environment in each of our locations. We will always support your decision to enhance your smile and improve your long-term oral health.
Restore Your Smile
Our dental bridge dentists in Canton, MI, would be more than happy to create and place a custom oral appliance for you. We want you to feel confident showing your smile and if that involves restoration, we’re here to help. Call Hometown Dental today at (734) 667-4941 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.