What are Dental Bridges?
What Makes A Healthy Smile
Healthy teeth are the foundation of beautiful smiles, and maintaining our oral health is the key to protecting them. However, sometimes, even when we do our best to take care of our teeth, tooth loss can occur. Causes of tooth loss might include sports injuries, age, poor dental hygiene, drug use, or accidents and trauma.
At Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge, we believe having a healthy smile is not only good for your confidence, but your health, too. If a patient has lost a tooth, or multiple teeth, it is important they consult a dentist to replace them before permanent damage is done to the rest of their teeth, gums, and jaw bone.
Your Options
There are different methods of replacing missing teeth, including dentures, dental implants, and dental bridges. Dentures, or partial dentures, are false inserts that look like real teeth and are often removeable. Dental implants are permanent placed implants that are inserted into your jaw bone and supported by crowns to act like natural teeth.
Finally, dental bridges are rows of false teeth which are adhered in place by crowns that cover a patient’s real teeth (abutment teeth) on either side of the missing tooth/teeth. This is the most common type of dental bridge, though there are other similar options.
Bridging the Gap – Why Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are a great option for patients with one or more missing teeth, especially those with otherwise good oral health. Dental bridges prevent the shifting of surrounding teeth, improve appearance and speech, resolve any chewing difficulties caused by missing teeth, and prevent the jaw bone from deteriorating over time. They also last up to 15 years or more.
Dental bridges do have some drawbacks, the majority of them relating to the crowns that are placed over the abutment teeth. Abutment teeth can be damaged during the application process. If the crowns are not fitted properly, bacteria can gather between the crowns and the abutment teeth, leading to decay. If abutment teeth suffer enough damage, they may eventually need to be replaced.
Despite the risks, neglecting to replace a missing tooth is far riskier in the long run, and dental bridges offer patients numerous options and benefits. You can reduce risks by going to a reputable dental practice, like Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge.
The Different Types of Dental Bridges
There are four different types of dental bridges, including traditional, cantilever, implant-supported, and Maryland. Below is a list of their distinctions:
- Traditional – Traditional dental bridges are the kind of bridge where a false tooth is centered between two crowns. The crowns are permanently adhered to teeth (abutment teeth) on either side of the gap (missing tooth/teeth area).
- Cantilever – Cantilever bridges are bridges that are held in place by one tooth instead of two. The crown is attached to one abutment tooth that sits on only one side of the gap.
- Maryland – Maryland bridges require two abutment teeth on either side of the false tooth, just as with traditional bridges. However, instead of crowns, porcelain or metal framework is adhered to the backs of the abutment teeth to hold the bridge in place.
- Implant-Supported – Implant-supported bridges do not utilize abutment teeth, and are instead adhered by dental implants. Each missing tooth is replaced by individual implants which support the bridge.
Dental Bridges and Implants Near Park Ridge
When people consider replacing their missing teeth, they often get nervous and hesitate for fear of cost, time, and discomfort. Replacing missing teeth doesn’t have to be such a stressful process.
No matter which option you are considering for tooth replacement, consult a dentist who is experienced in denture application, dental bridges, and dental implants near Park Ridge, Illinois, like Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge. Call us today to set up an appointment.