When it comes to dental care, it’s in everyone’s interest to keep their teeth in as good a condition as possible. Brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist are excellent methods of keeping your pearly whites in great shape; however there are times when we may fall victim to dental damage that requires professional repair work. For example, whether it’s through accident or injury, losing a tooth can be a very debilitating and embarrassing problem. Luckily, there is a lasting solution which can replace the missing tooth and restore your lost confidence – having a dental bridge fitted.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a practical solution to the loss of a tooth. In effect, a dental bridge is the replacement of a missing tooth with a false one (known as a ‘pontic’). The name dental bridge comes from the fact that the false tooth is anchored to one or two adjacent teeth, giving the new tooth a solid foundation which should last for up to fifteen years. Unlike regular false teeth, a dental bridge is a permanent fixture.
There are several types of dental bridges. A ‘fixed bridge’ is comprised of two new crowns that are attached to the adjacent teeth which hold the false tooth in place, forming a very firm bond which will last a very long time. A ‘cantilever bridge’ is generally used when there is only one tooth to the side of the missing one. In this case, the new tooth is anchored via one or two teeth on one side only. This type of dental bridge is commonly used on teeth which are not subjected to excess pressure from chewing and biting.
Finally, a ‘resin bonded bridge’ is a dental bridge whereby the adjacent teeth are not crowned but have a metal bar attached to the rear side (using resin or cement) with the new tooth in between them. This method allows the bridge to be easily hidden from view, and is the most common dental bridge.
Who Can Benefit from a Dental Bridge?
First and foremost, dental bridges are highly recommended for people who have a missing tooth. Regardless of how this tooth was lost, a dental bridge is an effective method of replacing what has been lost. If the loss of the tooth was due to an accident or injury and only one tooth is missing, a dental bridge is certainly the best way to deal with the problem. The new tooth is colored and shaped to resemble those around it and should be indistinguishable from the surrounding ‘real’ teeth.
When a tooth is lost due to decay, the process of having a dental bride installed may be a little trickier as the teeth around the missing one can often be damaged too. It is vital that a dentist thoroughly checks the strength of the adjacent teeth before deciding to install a dental bridge.
Dental bridges can also be beneficial to those who would like one for cosmetic reasons. Let’s say a person has just one tooth which is perhaps discolored or shaped noticeably differently from those around it – a dental bridge can be used to replace just that tooth, effectively restoring that person’s confidence and smile.
What are the Benefits of a Dental Bridge?
The benefits of a dental bridge range from cosmetic to medical and even psychological improvements. As a rule, people don’t think about how important a smile can be at work, at home or whilst socializing. It’s only really when something goes noticeably wrong that they realize how important their teeth are to them. For example, when a person loses a tooth (particularly a visible one such as one of the front teeth) they can often feel a great deal of embarrassment – perhaps choosing not to smile or show their teeth at all. A dental bridge can replace the missing tooth, and hence replace their winning smile. When the reason for a lost tooth is medical, a person will benefit a great deal from having the hole filled with a brand new tooth – a gap in the teeth can cause bacteria to collect, food to get trapped, and generally cause a whole host of oral and dental issues.
What Kind of Risks are Involved with Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are generally considered to be a safe solution to a missing tooth. It is very rare for problems to develop around dental bridges, and more often than not the biggest issue is when a dental bridge needs replacing after having been installed for years.
Obviously, as with any dental replacement procedure, there is the possibility that the patient may not like their new tooth. This could be an issue with the color or size; however dental bridges can usually be altered once fixed into the mouth, so the problem is only minor. Another concern is that a patient’s bite may be affected; however as with aesthetic issues a dentist can alter the bridge to be more comfortable for the patient.
Dental Bridges: The Bottom Line
Overall, dental bridges are a safe and convenient way to ensure that your smile sparkles. While having a dental bridge fitted can be a costly procedure, the long-term benefits can offset this cost for most people. With very few risks and a whole host of positive outcomes, a dental bridge comes highly recommended for anyone looking to ‘bridge the gap.’
