What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental appliance that bridges the gap left by missing teeth. It can be used to replace a single missing tooth or several missing teeth in a row. Bridges are normally made of two dental crowns (one on each of the teeth on either side of the gap), and the false tooth (or teeth) that bridge the space in between.
How Do I Choose the Best Tooth Replacement For Me?
Each tooth replacement and dental restoration has its own set of pros and cons. Your dentist will select the best possible tooth replacement option for you based on various factors, such as your lifestyle, budget, and needs.
Dental Implants or Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges and dental implants are both long-term solutions for missing teeth. One important difference between the two is that dental bridges typically need to be replaced after 5 to 15 years, while dental implants can last quite a bit longer than that.
Although, the dental bridge procedure is significantly less invasive than the dental implant procedure (which is a surgery), and it requires a shorter recovery time as well. In most cases, dental implants are more expensive than bridges and are less likely to be covered by insurance.
Dentures or Dental Bridges?
The biggest difference between dentures and dental bridges is that you are able to remove dentures, while bridges are attached to the neighboring teeth.
In many situations, dentists will recommend dental bridges when a patient is only missing a few teeth, or when the missing teeth are only on one half of the mouth.
Dental bridges also tend to cost a little bit more than partial dentures, however, many insurance plans will generally cover both tooth replacement options.
Why is Replacing Missing Teeth Important?
A variety of dental health problems can arise when missing teeth are not replaced. It can make chewing and speaking difficult, and over time, the teeth around the gap can shift out of position, worsening the problem. In addition, the jaw structure around the missing teeth may start to deteriorate, causing facial collapse.
Bridges, implants, and dentures are all different solutions that can help you avoid these issues. They all fill the space left by missing teeth, prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting, and help preserve your ability to chew and speak.