How Can Dental Bridges Improve Your Smile and Gain Functionality?
Tooth loss is a serious issue in the United States. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, approximately 178 million Americans are missing at least one natural tooth, with 40 million missing all of their natural teeth. In addition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least one in every five Americans over the age of 65 is missing all of their teeth due to factors such as untreated tooth decay and gum disease.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, we can help you restore your smile and your oral health. Your dentist will provide a variety of cosmetic and general dentistry services. However, a dental bridge near you is the best option for replacing missing teeth and improving your smile.
What Effects Do Missing Teeth Have On Your Smile and Health
The loss of a tooth can have a huge impact on your confidence and self-esteem. Even a missing tooth can detract from an otherwise healthy and attractive smile, causing problems in your personal and professional life.
In addition to the cosmetic issues caused by tooth loss, missing teeth can negatively impact your oral and overall health. You may encounter:
- Slurred or altered speech
- Chewing difficulties or nutritional issues
- Gum disease and bone loss
- General health issues caused by advanced gum disease complications
It’s never too late to replace missing teeth, whether you’ve recently lost a tooth due to an oral health issue or trauma or you’ve been living with missing teeth for years.
Understanding Dental bridges
This dental device “bridges” the gap left by a missing tooth. A bridge comprises a prosthetic tooth known as a pontic and two abutments, crowns on your natural teeth that hold the bridge in place. A bridge, unlike dentures, does not require removal. It is securely fastened.
The procedure involves your dentist examining the mouth to treat any tooth decay or gum disease. They may take an x-ray and measure the teeth and mouth with special equipment. Your dentist in Globe, AZ, will file down the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap to prepare for a dental bridge. They will then use a mold to construct the bridge.
The dentist will usually file down healthy teeth to prepare the dental bridge. You may be given a temporary bridge while your permanent bridge is being built. If so, that is removed once your permanent bridge is ready. When the permanent bridge is prepared, it is attached to the surrounding healthy teeth with dental cement. Alternatively, the dentist may secure the bridge with a dental implant surgically implanted in the jaw.
How Dental Bridges Enhance Your Smile
Dental bridges fill in the gap in your smile and improve its appearance. Although dental bridges can be made of various materials, and we discuss all of your material options with you during your consultation, we frequently recommend porcelain.
Dental porcelain is not only strong and long-lasting, but it also has a natural clarity and pearly finish to your natural teeth. This means that your bridge will blend in with your natural teeth, and no one will notice unless you tell them.
Dental bridges also improve the appearance of your smile in another way. Because your teeth support your facial muscles, missing teeth can cause your facial muscles to sink in, giving you an asymmetrical appearance. Bridges help to keep your face symmetrical by preventing a sunken appearance.
Bringing Back Functionality
Although improving the appearance of your smile may be the driving factor in seeking a dental bridge, it’s important to note that bridges do more than just that. A bridge is capable of:
- Restore your chewing comfort.
- Contribute to clear communication
- Help prevent gaps and shifting teeth
The gaps and spaces left by missing teeth can increase the likelihood of your teeth shifting. Teeth shifting can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort and bite problems. A tooth bridge keeps your remaining teeth from shifting out of place
Where Can You Replace Your Missing Teeth in Globe, AZ?
If you are looking for dentistry offering dental bridges near you, visit Copper Vista Dental Care. Your dentist will guide you through the available options for replacing your missing tooth, and if you are considering dental bridges, they will guide you through the steps. Then, book an appointment through our online website.