Losing a tooth as a child is a joyous and momentous occasion that both kids and their parents look forward to. From being able to whistle through your teeth to visits from the tooth fairy, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy losing a tooth in childhood. Losing a tooth as an adult, however, has a hugely different connotation. No matter what the reason is for your lost tooth or teeth, chances are you’d like your mouth looking back to normal sooner rather than later. Dental bridges are just one way patients who have experienced the loss of a permanent tooth may get their smile back!
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a false tooth or teeth that fills a gap between existing, natural teeth. When placed correctly, a dental bridge will be indistinguishable from the surrounding teeth and will function just like your natural teeth.
Who is best suited to getting a dental bridge?
As long as the remaining, natural teeth are strong enough to support the bridge, anyone can have one placed! Those patients who have weaker teeth may want to consider dental implants as a way to fill in the gaps in their bite.
Are dental bridges permanent?
When the patient takes care of their oral health and the bridge is placed correctly, bridges can last up to two decades! Even though bridges are not made of bone and enamel, they are susceptible to wear and tear, so caring for them properly is the best way to ensure their longevity.
Are there different kinds of dental bridges?
A multitude of options exist when it comes to materials and types of dental bridges. Some of the most popular options include:
- Fixed Dental Bridges: These bridges are placed by reducing the surrounding teeth, making a mold of the mouth, creating a metal framework, and then firing porcelain to the surface of the metal for a tooth-colored appearance. This bridge is then cemented in the mouth so it cannot be removed.
- Cantilever Dental Bridges: This type of bridge is very similar to a fixed dental bridge, except this one is only cemented to one natural tooth. This bridge will only be used if there is a concern for the amount of stress that can be placed on the surrounding tooth.
- Resin-Bonded Bridges: In a resin-bonded bridge, the surrounding teeth do not need to be reduced by much, if at all. The biggest difference between this type of bridge and a fixed dental bridge is that the support comes from adjacent teeth rather than the metal framework.
Tooth loss can be disheartening and discouraging, but luckily there are an array of options available to help replace your missing teeth! If you would like to know more about bridges or other cosmetic dentistry options, do not hesitate to reach out to learn more about what you can do to get your smile back to where you want it. Your dentist will be happy to discuss your situation and come up with a game plan to get your confident smile back in no time.
To schedule your bridge consultation, give us a call at Meadows Dental Care in Palatine today!