An assured smile and a strong bite are important for appearance and comfort in your daily life. If you have lost one or more teeth, you may have difficulty with eating, speaking, or smiling for pictures. There are solutions for tooth loss, and one solution is dental bridges. Your dentist in Dacula can tell you about dental bridges and help you think about the best option for you, considering restoring function and your confidence.
What are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic tooth replacement that “bridges” the gap where one or more teeth are missing. Bridges typically form from one or more replacement teeth that are attached to crowns on either side of the gap to natural teeth or implants.
Bridges are permanent fixtures that stay in your mouth, unlike removable dentures that you can take in and out. They are reliable and something to seriously consider for patients seeking a long-term solution.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Missing teeth can cause more problems than just an unappealing smile. Here are some of the most common problems that can happen with missing teeth:
- Teeth are moving around, causing other teeth to be misaligned.
- Jaw pain or discomfort due to uneven pressure when chewing.
- Difficulties pronouncing some words.
- Self-conscious about your appearance.
Having a bridge installed (with or without crowns) can restore aesthetics as well as proper function while eliminating the above problems.
How Do Dental Bridges Work?
There are several methods for bridges, but the most common method is to place crowns on either side of the gap. The crowns serve as anchoring points to secure the artificial tooth (or teeth). You’ll have an appropriate tooth replacement that looks natural with the other teeth.
If you’re searching for a dentist near you, you can have any dentist evaluate your smile and determine what type of bridge can best suit you.
Dental Bridge Benefits
A lot of people look for dental bridges near you for practical purposes. Bridges are made not only to fill gaps but also to improve day-to-day living. Here are a few of the most common dental bridge benefits:
- Restored appearance—Bridges restore the appearance of a full, natural smile.
- Better comfort—Bridges feel much more stable and secure than removable dentures.
- Stronger bite—Bridges allow you to have a strong bite with almost any food.
- Maintained alignment—Bridges fill gaps that prevent other teeth from moving into the gap.
- Longevity – Bridges can last for many years with proper hygiene and maintenance.
Chewing, Speaking, and Confidence
You might be asking yourself, “But what about daily function?” Here is where bridges are important. Let’s take a look at how dental bridges improve chewing and speech:
- Chewing—Having missing teeth makes eating difficult and often leads to whole categories of food simply being avoided. A dental bridge restores your bite and allows you to enjoy a greater variety of meals.
- Speech—Teeth serve a large role in producing certain sounds. Gaps in teeth can lead to slurring or whistling sounds while speaking. A bridge restores your ability to make sounds that you are used to pronouncing.
- Confidence—When your smile is restored, you often feel better about yourself, leading to more comfortable social and professional interactions.
Caring for Your Bridge
A dental bridge requires regular care to stay strong! Brushing and flossing around your bridge and regular dental check-ups are all important. Your dentist may even suggest special flossing devices, designed to clean under the artificial tooth portion of the bridge. A dental bridge can last for years and be like a natural tooth with proper care!
Restore Your Confidence, Smile with Lanier Valley Dentistry
If you’ve been wanting to restore your smile, now is the time to take the next step! The Lanier Valley Dentistry dentists offer patients several choices to maintain their healthy and proud smile. Be it the loss of one or two teeth, we will guide you through the options and help design a treatment plan for you!
Do not let missing teeth keep you from the life you deserve. Schedule your consultation today and take the next step toward restoring your smile and bite.