What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a permanently attached dental appliance that fills in the gap created by missing teeth. It is capable of replacing a single missing tooth or a row of missing teeth. Bridges are typically constructed of two dental crowns (one on each of the teeth on either side of the gap), as well as the false tooth (or teeth) that span the gap.
How do I know which type of tooth replacement to choose?
Each dental restoration and tooth replacement procedure has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate tooth replacement option for you based on a variety of factors, including your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Dental Bridges or Dental Implants?
Both dental bridges and dental implants are long-term tooth replacement options. One significant distinction between the two is that dental bridges typically require replacement after 5 to 15 years, whereas dental implants can last significantly longer.
Having said that, the dental bridge procedure is significantly less invasive than the dental implant procedure (which is a surgery), and the recovery time is also significantly shorter. Dental implants are typically more expensive than bridges and are therefore less likely to be covered by insurance.
Dental Bridges or Dentures?
The main difference between dental bridges and dentures is that dentures are removable, while bridges are fixed to the surrounding teeth.
Most of the time, a dental bridge will be recommended when there are only a few missing teeth to replace, or when the missing teeth are only on one side of the mouth.
Dental bridges tend to be a little more costly than partial dentures, but both tooth replacement options are covered by most dental insurance plans.
Why replace missing teeth?
When missing teeth are not replaced, a variety of dental health problems can occur. It can make chewing and speaking more difficult, and over time, the teeth on either side of the gap may shift out of position, exacerbating the problem. Furthermore, the jaw structure surrounding the missing teeth may deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse.
Bridges, implants, and dentures are all distinct solutions that can assist you in avoiding these complications. They all fill the gap left by missing teeth, prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, and aid in the preservation of your ability to chew and speak.