Cosmetic Dental Services

Cosmetic Dentistry: Bridges To Replace Missing Teeth

A dental bridge is an option in cosmetic dentistry for filling the gap left by a missing or extracted tooth. Missing teeth can have remarkable consequences on oral health: The bone around the area starts to shrink and the remaining teeth can start to move, messing up a dental alignment. With the help of a general dentist with experience in cosmetic dentistry, patients can get dental bridges for tooth replacement and restore the appearance of their smile.

How a dental bridge works

The dental bridge can be supported using nearby natural teeth, dental implants or a combination of the two. If natural teeth are used to hold the bridgework in place, a dental crown is placed over those teeth to provide better support and stability. A dental bridge may need up to three dental crowns: Two will cover existing teeth and are called abutment teeth. The last crown is the replacement tooth that occupies the gap and is called the pontic. If multiple teeth are missing, more crowns will be required to fill the gap between the two abutment teeth.

The number of abutment teeth required for tooth replacement depends on the number of lost teeth, the size and length of tooth roots and the level of bone density, as well as the location of the missing teeth on the jaw. For instance, if a patient has three missing teeth, about four abutment teeth may be required to keep it steady.

To create the bridge, the dentist will take impressions of the patient’s smile and forward them to the dental lab. After production is complete, they will make any needed adjustments to make the bridge secure and comfortable. The new bridge will be customized to match the color of existing teeth to make the final restoration cosmetically appealing.

Types of dental bridges

Removable dental bridge: A removable dental bridge may be effective as a temporary solution for preserving tooth position while getting ready for a fixed dental bridge or dental implant. Most dentists do not suggest removable dental bridges for use over the long term because they are not excellent in terms of aesthetics, function or oral health.

Fixed dental bridge: Also known as a partial denture, a fixed dental bridge is a tooth prosthesis that is held by the teeth on either side of the space with an anchor. The more missing teeth, the more healthy teeth are required for support. The drawback of this option is that it puts pressure on the natural teeth. If the nearby teeth are healthy, this dental bridge may cause undue stress, causing cavity formation or premature deterioration.

Implant-supported dental bridges: The dentist can also recommend getting a fixed dental bridge supported by dental implants for a natural-looking tooth replacement. Dental implants generally have a high success rate and provide more stability. The general dentist will recommend them for the dental bridge if more than two teeth are missing. Implants have the added advantage of preventing bone and gum recession commonly associated with regular bridges and dentures.

Summary

A dental bridge is a cosmetic dentistry option that “bridges” the gap between teeth. It consists of prosthetic teeth held together with support from an anchor attached to the teeth on both sides of the gap. To get started, book an appointment for a consultation.

Request an appointment here: https://gallodental.com or call GDC Smiles at (770) 504-5725 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Types Of Dentures: Which Is The Best Option For You?

Dentures can replace teeth right away. It is a common solution to tooth loss. Because of many innovations in dentistry, you can now have many types of dentures to choose from. Knowing the right ones for your needs can help you decide which one will suit you the most. Here are the different types of…

5 Key Benefits Of Choosing Dental Implants For Missing Teeth

Losing a tooth is never something that you would want to happen, but since it can be unavoidable, you should know that a dental implant is one of the top options for replacing a missing tooth. There are many advantages to pursuing this path over alternatives like dentures. It is true that dental implant installation…

4 Things To Know About Implant Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are ideal for many dental professionals and their patients. They offer many benefits over their alternatives, including a natural look and results lasting around 15 years or more. If you are considering restoring your smile with implant-supported dentures, we have outlined a few things to know before your appointment.Implant-supported dentures are not ideal…

What To Expect When Receiving Dentures

Receiving dentures is a straightforward process, but it is determined by the type of dentures you receive. There are three types of dentures we will consider for your case, and in doing so, we will walk you through the process in depth at the time of your appointment. This article strives to provide you with…

Dr. Lia Gallo-Urrego

Share
Published by
Dr. Lia Gallo-Urrego

Recent Posts

Types of Dentures: Which Is the Best Option for You?

Dentures can replace teeth right away. It is a common solution to tooth loss. Because…

1 day ago

5 Key Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants for Missing Teeth

Losing a tooth is never something that you would want to happen, but since it…

2 days ago

4 Things to Know About Implant Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are ideal for many dental professionals and their patients. They offer many benefits…

3 days ago

What To Expect When Receiving Dentures

Receiving dentures is a straightforward process, but it is determined by the type of dentures…

1 week ago

What Is Endodontics? A Guide To Saving Teeth From the Inside Out

Endodontics could be the key to relieving discomfort and preserving your natural teeth if you…

1 week ago

What to Expect During Your First Visit to Get Dentures

If you have lost a significant number of teeth or if they are severely damaged,…

1 week ago