A Guide to Dental Bridge Options: Restore Your Smile with Confidence

When one or more teeth are missing, it has a huge impact on not just your smile but also the functionality of your teeth and your overall oral health. Dental bridges are a dependable and effective option for restoring missing teeth, helping to return your smile’s natural appearance and function.

Understanding Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are designed to fill in gaps in your smile. This will enhance your ability to chew your food more thoroughly, speak more clearly, and have your beautiful smile back. These fixed prosthetic devices are anchored to neighboring natural teeth or dental implants to fill the gaps left behind when you lose a tooth. There are two main types of dental bridges: traditional dental bridges and implant-supported bridges. Below, we will go into more detail about both types of bridges. 

Missing Teeth Impact More Than Just Your Smile

None of us want gaps in our smiles, but the fact is that missing teeth can cause several other concerns. 

• Bone loss: Bone density relies on stimulation provided by teeth. 
• Teeth begin to shift: Neighboring teeth can move into the gap and cause bite problems and crooked teeth. 
• Difficulty chewing: A gap in your smile makes chewing some foods harder. 
• Changes in speech: Missing teeth often affect how you pronounce your words. 
• Increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay: When a tooth is missing, the area is more prone to gum disease. Also, neighboring teeth are more at risk of becoming decayed. 

How Dental Bridges Work

Most commonly, dental bridges are made with porcelain. However, some dentists also offer other materials, including metal or a combination of metal and porcelain. Once your bridge is ready to be placed, the dentist will make dental impressions to make sure your bridge fits comfortably and snugly. Once the bridge is fitted, it is then securely bonded to the dental implants or your natural teeth. 

Traditional Dental Bridges

A traditional fixed dental bridge is made with two or more artificial teeth that are anchored by adjacent natural teeth. The two anchor teeth must be healthy for a conventional bridge to hold a crown if needed. Traditional bridges are ideal for patients who have healthy and strong teeth that can support the bridge. 

Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

For implant-supported dental bridges, two dental implants are used to anchor the bridge in place. If you have several teeth missing in a row, your dentist can place implants on either end. This is a good solution for patients whose natural teeth are missing or are not strong enough to support a bridge. Implants are placed in the jawbone, where a titanium post fuses with the bone to become a part of the jaw. In many cases, implant-supported bridges can last longer than traditional bridges.

Your Dental Bridge Options in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

Drs. Jerald Matt and Naila Bryan with Main Line Dental Health & Wellness in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, have options for you when it’s time to explore tooth restoration options. Use our online form to book an appointment or call our office at (610) 947-5566 today to schedule your consultation. 

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