Implants, dentures, bridges…there are plenty of treatments available if you have a missing tooth, but how do you know which one is right for you? Your dentist will discuss the many options, pros and cons, and cost of each treatment while helping you decide. Implants involve a costly and complex procedure. Dentures can accommodate several missing teeth or edentulism (complete tooth loss). But what if you only have one or two missing teeth? In that case a dental bridge may be right for you.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are a treatment used to replace one or more missing teeth. The teeth can be adjacent to one another, or they don’t have to be. It can be difficult to chew and talk with missing teeth. A dental bridge can restore your ability to eat a variety of healthy foods, and to talk without embarrassment. They are fabricated to attach to nearby healthy teeth via a crown (called an abutment) on each side. Artificial teeth (usually fabricated of porcelain for strength and esthetics) are placed in between the abutment crowns to fill the spaces from the missing teeth.
How They Work
The healthy teeth, to which the abutment crowns are bonded, require filing down so the crown fits flush over the remaining tooth structure. The abutment crowns can either snap onto the natural teeth, or are permanently bonded to the healthy tooth. That is referred to as a fixed bridge. Removable bridges are usually attached to the healthy teeth via wire and can be removed at any time. The use of porcelain for the teeth mimics the color and translucency of natural teeth allowing the bridge to blend with the surrounding dentition. As a result dental bridges are inconspicuous.
ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:
Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.
