Dental bridges can replace a section of missing teeth. They look and function essentially the same as natural teeth. If you are missing multiple teeth and are considering a dental bridge, then learning more about what it is exactly and who is an ideal candidate for treatment is helpful in determining whether treatment is appropriate.
There are several ways to replace multiple missing teeth in the long term. Often, dental professionals recommend dental bridges as a way to address a section of missing teeth long-term. The following review offers a definition of dental bridges and insights into the benefits and potential drawbacks of the treatment.
A dental bridge is a method of teeth replacement that utilizes multiple dental crowns that are attached to and supported by healthy adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. They are primarily used to fill in a section of multiple missing teeth. They are less invasive than dental implants (if attached to natural teeth) but still provide more reliability and often more convenience than removable partial dentures.
With proper care, dental bridges can last for more than a decade. The treatment process with dental bridges involves strengthening the adjacent teeth, which may include placing dental crowns if they are weak or damaged, customizing the artificial teeth for a comfortable fit, and attaching the dental bridge and artificial teeth for a secure, long-term hold.
As mentioned above, dental bridges are most appropriate when used to replace a small section of missing teeth. They can also replace a single missing tooth, as well. However, they are not suitable for full arch replacement. Patients who need more than four or five teeth replaced may benefit more from traditional removable dentures or implant-supported dentures. Anyone who is insecure about their smile, unable to eat the way they desire due to missing teeth, or has oral health problems caused by missing teeth should consider dental bridge treatment.
There are many benefits to dental bridges. In general, they are often more affordable than implant-supported partial dentures if attached to existing natural teeth. Also, fixed bridges do not require surgery and offer long-term reliability (more than 10 years in some cases). They are also easy to care for through good oral hygiene and avoiding foods that may damage the artificial teeth or abutment teeth. However, the primary drawbacks are that they are less durable than dental implants and are not capable of replacing an entire row of missing teeth as traditional dentures can.
If you are missing multiple teeth and want to find out more about dental bridges and other treatment solutions available to you, contact us today to schedule a time to meet with our staff for a consultation. We believe no one should have to live with missing teeth, and we are here to help you regain confidence in your smile.
Are you considering missing teeth replacement in the Richmond area? Get more information at https://www.dentalfirstplc.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Missing Teeth in Richmond, VA.
Preventative Dentistry is important in maintaining oral health. Visits in this field of dentistry involve treatment and dental education. These appointments aim to prevent gum disease, cavities, and enamel wear. They result in an attractive smile and healthy teeth. If you want to know more about vital preventive dentistry visits, here are the details.Preventing the…
Have you recently chipped a tooth? Read on to learn what to do after chipping a tooth. Several factors may lead to a chipped tooth, including decay and, more often, impact. This may be caused by physical activity, auto accidents, or even consuming hard foods. Even with healthy teeth, chips are occasionally inevitable. If you…
A cosmetic dentist is a dental professional who helps patients improve the confidence they have in their smile by addressing anything that may make them feel insecure. Examples of concerns patients often have about their smiles are stained teeth, misaligned teeth, short or uneven teeth, and more. This guide provides four questions you can ask…
If your child needs braces, your orthodontist may recommend Invisalign® for teens instead. In the late 1990s, Invisalign was a groundbreaking orthodontic treatment that utilized clear aligners to straighten teeth rather than the traditional wires and brackets. Then, it was only available to adults. Today, however, the system has come a long way, and many…