If you have a couple of missing teeth and you're considering options for replacing them to give you confidence when you smile, talk to your dentist about getting a bridge. Your dentist will discuss the pros and cons of getting a bridge so you make the right choice for your dental health and your budget. Here's how a bridge works to replace lost teeth.
1. A Bridge Can Be Supported By Your Healthy Teeth
A bridge consists of one or two artificial teeth positioned next to each other and a crown on each end that goes over your natural healthy teeth. Your healthy teeth hold the artificial teeth firmly in place. The drawback to getting a bridge is that the two end teeth that are otherwise healthy need to be fitted with crowns. However, if one or both end teeth have cavities, putting a crown on may be necessary anyway.
When the bridge is in place, the crowns and one or two artificial teeth in between them look completely natural. The gap from the missing teeth is filled so your smile is attractive and you do a better job of eating. You'll need to brush and floss regularly to prevent gum disease and keep the crowns clean. The bridge and the teeth it contains will function just like natural teeth.
2. Implants Can Also Support A Bridge
If you have three or four missing teeth in a row, your dentist might recommend getting implants for the two missing teeth on the ends and creating a bridge that has one or two teeth between the implants. This cuts down on expenses since you won't need an implant for each missing tooth. The dentist starts by placing implants into your bone and allowing time for the implants to fuse with it. Then the bridge can be fitted. A crown goes over each implant, and the crowns are connected to the middle tooth or teeth to hold them securely in place.
A bridge with implants is a good option when you have three or four missing teeth and want to replace all of them. The bridge will look natural and function like natural teeth, no matter if you get a bridge with implants or use your natural teeth on the ends.
Getting a bridge often involves multiple visits since the crowns are usually made in a dental lab, and that could take a few weeks. Crowns for bridges are often made from porcelain, and the dentist can choose the degree of white that you like best. Be sure of your choice since porcelain teeth can't be made whiter once they're in your mouth.
For more information, contact a local dentist office.
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