If you’re one of the 120 million Americans who are missing at least one tooth, restorations such as dental bridges can help restore your smile. A dental bridge uses an artificial tooth, anchored to adjacent teeth to fill gaps in your smile. Today, traditional dental bridges last on average for years before needing to be replaced. Implant-supported bridges which are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer more stability, may also last longer. With excellent oral hygiene and regular dental appointments, implant-supported bridges may last many more years.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are four main types of dental bridges. All dental bridges use an artificial tooth to replace the missing tooth or teeth. But, they are held in place using a variety of techniques.
A traditional dental bridge uses a false tooth attached to crowns on either side of the gap in your smile. Traditional bridges offer the benefit of using your natural teeth to anchor the bridge in place. This makes the procedure for placing the bridge very easy. However, the existing adjacent teeth will need to be fitted with crowns. Traditional bridges continue to be a popular, nonsurgical choice for replacing a single tooth.
A cantilever bridge attaches to a single crown, adjacent to the gap. This type of bridge is less common than a traditional bridge, as it is not as stable as other bridges. Because it is only cemented to a single tooth, it puts that tooth at risk of increased pressure, and damage.
A Maryland bridge requires that you have a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backside of the teeth adjacent to the gap in your smile. The artificial tooth is held in place by this framework. A Maryland bridge (also called a resin-bonded bridge) is a terrific solution for missing front teeth.
Implant-supported bridges are quickly becoming the most recommended type of dental bridge, as they are considered the most secure and most stable type of bridge. These bridges use implants to hold the artificial tooth or teeth in place. Implant-supported bridges are often a great solution for multiple missing teeth in a row. Implants also help to preserve jaw bone, which helps maintain overall health and prevent changes to your facial structure. Implant-supported bridges do require implant surgery, so they are a more complex type of dental bridge.
Reasons to Replace Missing Teeth
Beyond just restoring your smile, replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge, or dental implants can help to prevent many problems in the future. Even if you’re just missing a single tooth, you could be damaging your oral health and overall health. Missing teeth lead to problems with:
- Speech
- Chewing
- Bite force
- Low self-esteem
- Increased risk for loss of additional teeth
- Shifting teeth
- Gum disease
- Changing facial appearance
Replace Missing Teeth in Gonzales, LA
If you’re ready to replace missing teeth, contact the dental office of Dr. Byron Rome today. Dr. Rome brings more than 20 years of experience, skill, compassion, and dedication to using the latest dental technologies to provide incredible results and exceptional patient care. Contact Dr. Rome’s dental practice in Gonzales today by calling 225-621-2701. You may also request an appointment online.