If you have a gap in your mouth that is made up of more than one missing tooth, you may wonder how you can close in such a large space in the most cost-effective way possible. You want this area of your mouth filled in so that you can once again feel confident enough to smile and regain your self-esteem. In your situation, a dental bridge is often recommended for several reasons.
A dental bridge features two crowns that cover the two teeth on either side of the gap in your mouth (called abutment teeth, or anchors). Then, artificial teeth are placed between these two crowns. These artificial teeth can be made of porcelain, metal alloys or gold. These are the components of a traditional bridge.
You can also opt for a Cantilever bridge if one side of the gap in your mouth does not have two adjacent teeth. Your third bridge option is the Maryland bonded bridge, which features an artificial tooth that has been bonded to metal wings. The metal wings hold on to the natural teeth on either side of the gap in your mouth to keep the bridge stable.
In addition to giving you your smile back, dental bridges are beneficial for multiple reasons.
- A bridge keeps your natural teeth from shifting, which tends to happen when there is a gap in the mouth (your teeth drift in an effort to close the gap).
- A bridge helps you to chew food more evenly throughout your mouth, thus keeping your bite healthy.
- A bridge allows you to speak more easily, and it maintains your face’s shape.
Dental bridges can last 15 years or more if you continue to brush and floss them and visit your dentist for regular cleanings. Experience how it feels to finally chew, speak and smile normally again. Get in touch with us today to find out which dental bridge option works best for you.