Dentists try very hard to keep their patients’ teeth healthy and intact. Sometimes a patient will still lose a tooth to decay or accident, despite their best efforts. Losing a tooth, or a few teeth, may seem like it is the end to a beautiful smile, but that is where dental bridges come in. Dental bridges are a prosthesis used to replace missing teeth. Usually, they are placed between two intact teeth. Main Street Dentistry can provide dental bridges in Alpharetta GA to give you your smile back.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are two primary types of dental bridges. Each type has its pros and cons, and it is up to you to decide which one you feel would be best. Speak to your provider about which type is right for you.
Fixed Dental Bridge
A fixed dental bridge is put into your mouth permanently. It can only be removed by a dentist. Fixed bridges are attached to the adjacent teeth. They need a special type of floss to clean under them, so they are harder to keep clean than removable bridges, but they offer a more natural look and feel.
The most common of these bridges are made up of two crowns, one on either end, and the false tooth, or teeth, in the center. The two crowns are secured to the adjacent teeth on each side at which point the false teeth in the center create the bridge.
The second type of fixed bridge is made up of the false teeth in the center, and a type of framework on either side that gets bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth. This allows your natural teeth to stay visible, and it is less invasive.
The third type of fixed bridge is an implant-supported bridge. This type of bridge is the strongest, but it is also the most invasive. The implant must be surgically placed into your jawbone, and then the bridge must be placed onto the implant.
Removable Dental Bridge
A removable dental bridge is made by creating false teeth on a metal or plastic framework. This is made to fit in the gap between adjacent teeth perfectly. These are much simpler to construct. They require no surgical procedures, so they are usually cheaper than fixed dental bridges. Removable dental bridges can be taken out and cleaned thoroughly, and they make it easier to keep the rest of your mouth clean. The drawback to removable dental bridges is that they do not always feel as natural as fixed bridges, and it may take longer to get used to them.
Procedure
Procedures vary based on the type of bridge you and your provider choose. The least invasive procedure only requires two visits. The first visit is when you come in to have your enamel tested, and the adjacent teeth prepped. The second visit is when you come back to have the bridge placed. Some of the more complicated procedures include taking measurements of the area that needs to be bridged, surgically placing implants, and then coming back for the bridge to be placed.
Benefits
The benefits of having a dental bridge are numerous. They keep the adjacent teeth from moving away from their intended places. They allow all the teeth in your mouth to continue working as intended. When you have missing teeth, the other teeth in your mouth can become stressed and prone to breaking and decay because your bite is no longer even.
Having missing teeth can also cause your face to be unsupported. This can cause a droopy look. Dental bridges can correct facial structure issues due to missing teeth. Eating, talking, and even drinking water can become harder to do with missing teeth. Bridges correct these problems.
Conclusion
Dental bridges are an important part of restorative dentistry. They can not only make you more confident in your smile but also correct all the oral health issues associated with missing teeth. There are two types to choose from, and each type offers its own unique advantages. Let one of our providers help you decide which option is best.
We care deeply about your health and confidence. Find a Main Street Dentistry dentist near you to inquire about getting your dental bridges in Alpharetta Georgia today.