You want to feel fully confident in your smile, and having missing teeth can certainly hinder how you feel about it. Moreover, missing teeth affect more than just the appearance of your mouth; they can also hurt your overall health. Luckily dental bridges provide both cosmetic and restorative solutions. In today’s blog, your Houston, TX, dentist talks about the benefits this prosthetic can provide for you.
What Exactly Is A Dental Bridge?
It is a prosthetic tooth (or pontic) that fits into the space left by a missing tooth. It is supported by the teeth adjacent to the gap. The existing teeth — also known as abutments are typically fitted with crowns to support the dental bridge, which helps ensure its durability, longevity, and structural support. The prosthetic is made from high-quality, bio-compatible porcelain or zirconia, and it is virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Your dentist color-matches it to ensure a realistic look. What’s more, is that it can support the full bite pressure you need. The prosthetics are usually recommended when there is either a single tooth missing or there are a few next to one another.
The Benefits
Not only does a dental bridge provide aesthetic benefits, but it also has more functional ones as well. For instance, it can improve your chewing. You will regain a more natural feeling while eating, and a pontic can also prevent food particles from collecting in an empty socket. If it is not filled this space can lead to an excessive buildup of bacteria. In the case of multiple missing teeth in a row, you might notice issues with talking. A full, natural set of teeth shapes how you speak, so a lack of them can negatively impact your oratory capabilities.
Furthermore, once you lose a tooth, your jawbone begins to deteriorate, so adding in a bridge can help maintain the structural integrity of not only your jaw but also your entire face. Finally, having a pontic put in can help prevent your other teeth from shifting out of alignment. Yes, teeth are mostly supported by roots in your gums, they are also supported by other teeth.
Implant Bridges
In some cases, your dentist may suggest an implant. In this case, the prosthetic is placed all the way into the root of the missing tooth. Going this route can provide increased comfort and stability, more support, improved long-term health, and it even reduces the risk of losing more teeth in the future. If you are a good candidate for this procedure, your dentist will certainly inform you and educate you further.
Contact Us To Learn More About Dental Bridges
If you have more questions about this procedure, do not hesitate to contact us today. Please reach out to your Houston, TX, dentist, Dr. Vlachakis, by calling 281-974-4494. You can also visit Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry at 820 Gessner Rd., Suite #1560 Houston, TX 77024.
