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It is a false tooth which is attached to the teeth on either side to create a “bridge”. When a tooth is missing it has an effect on how you chew, talk, and look. With missing teeth there is a lack of support for the cheek and jaw which eventually makes you look older. Each tooth plays an important role in the mouth, which is why it is important to fix a gap as soon as possible.
Dr. Jason Toups will attach the dental bridge in between two crowns. The crowns on either side of the bridge effectively work to create a solid support without damaging the natural teeth. One of the main benefits of bridges is that it enables our dentist to repair a gap in the teeth without the necessary use of a dental implant. This makes the procedure simpler and timelier.
Dental bridges are typically made out of either composite, ceramic, or porcelain. The goal of the bridge is for the artificial tooth to seamlessly blend in with the rest of the teeth both in function and appearance. With crowns cemented to the teeth on either side, there is a firm base for the bridge to attach.
At Toups Family Dentistry our experienced dentist, Dr. Jason Toups, will try to preserve your natural teeth as much as possible, but in some cases a tooth extraction may be necessary. To replace the missing tooth, it may be necessary to use dental crowns, dental bridges, or dental implants.
Dental bridges are an effective way to repair gaps in your smile. Our dentist in Lafayette, La is highly experienced at bridges and will make you feel completely at ease in our dental chair.
Bridges fill the space created by a missing tooth. The bridge is formed to look like your missing tooth and replaces it in the mouth. The sides of a bridge use your two supporting teeth for support, which is where it gets its name. It replaces your missing tooth functionally and cosmetically.
There are several reasons someone may need to have a dental bridge in their mouth. Some of these may include:
Bridges have the added benefit of preventing your remaining teeth from shifting out of place, helping you to maintain your smile and improving the shape and volume of your face.
If you are interested in learning more about dental bridges, contact our office and schedule a consultation.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we have about dental bridges.
Yes, there are three different types of dental bridges available: traditional fixed bridges, resin bonded bridges and cantilever bridges. The patient’s needs will determine which type of dental bridge will be used.
The two main alternatives to a dental bridge are partial dentures and dental implants. Dental implants may work well for single tooth replacement if the patient has a healthy underlying jawbone. For patients who want a fast, easy, and affordable solution, a partial denture may be an ideal alternative. However, a dental bridge offers a good balance between durability, affordability, and having a non-invasive process.
The benefits of a dental bridge include faster treatment times, long-term reliability, and an improved appearance. It only takes a few visits to complete dental bridge treatment, and the devices can last for more than a decade. The most notable drawbacks are that they are not quite as durable as dental implants and require more extensive treatment than a partial denture.
An implant-supported bridge can help you restore the appearance and functionality of your smile. We would recommend this procedure for patients with bite issues that result from missing teeth causing the remaining teeth to shift out of their correct position. Patients who don’t have adequate jawbone support for dental implants may also benefit from an implant-supported bridge. If you grind or clench your teeth, an implant-supported bridge will spread the pressure evenly across the entire bridge.
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