A dental bridge can restore your smile, ability to chew food, speaking skills, and the functions of your teeth. A dental bridge can also re-adjust your bite and help prevent your teeth from moving out of their correct position.
The most common causes of missing teeth are tooth decay, gum disease, injury, and genetics. If you have a tooth missing, then your nearby teeth may try to shift into the empty space. The teeth on the opposite side (upper/lower) can also move toward the empty space. That may sound strange, but those teeth are looking for their matches when you bite down.
These teeth movements can cause biting problems, chewing difficulties, pain in your teeth and jaw, and make you feel self-consciousness.
There are different types of bridges that can help you replace that missing tooth, or teeth.
For a traditional fixed bridge, our dentist places two crowns on the natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth. These two crowns act as support for the bridge (false tooth) that fills in the gap. A traditional bridge is the most popular type of dental bridge.
In a cantilever bridge, the bridge is attached to one dental crown, which is cemented to one real tooth. This is for people who only have one natural tooth to attach the bridge to.
A Maryland dental bridge is for people who are missing their front teeth. This bridge uses metal wings (framework) that attach onto the backs of nearby natural teeth. This bridge can really boost your confidence and self-esteem.
For an implant-supported bridge, the bridge is held in place by an implant instead of crowns or framework. An implant is surgically placed in the gum, and holds the bridge in position. An implant-supported bridge works great, but often needs two surgeries to do it successfully.
No matter which bridge you get, make sure to practice good oral hygiene and get regular professional cleanings so your bridge will last for many years.
If you think you may need a bridge, or have some other dental need, please call our office at (847)490-8708 to make an appointment with our dentist. Dental problems do not go away on their own. You need a professional experienced dentist to keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful. Call us today!
