Dental Bridge Mt Airy, NC
A bridge may be used to replace missing teeth, help maintain the shape of your face, and alleviate stress on your bite. A dental bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, looks great, and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been. Your bridge can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials, and is bonded onto surrounding teeth for support.
The success of any bridge depends on its foundation — the other teeth, gums, or bone to which it is attached. Therefore, it's very important to keep your existing teeth, gums, and jaw healthy and strong.
Why is Replacing a Missing Tooth Important?
When you lose a tooth, it affects not just the appearance of your smile, but also the function.
- It can be difficult to eat or speak naturally
- Extra stress is put on your remaining teeth
- You’re at greater risk for developing gum disease
- Your remaining teeth can shift out of position, causing bite problems
- The shape of your face and jaw can change over time
Why Choose a Dental Bridge Over an Implant?
Dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth, but they do take longer to complete and are a more invasive procedure. Implants are small titanium posts that must be surgically embedded into your jawbone then allowed to heal for several months to fuse naturally with your jawbone. They provide a stable, permanent foundation for a crown to be placed on top to replace your missing tooth.
However, some patients may prefer a dental bridge over an implant because bridges are less expensive, can be completed much faster, and involve minimal preparation. In some cases, there may be a need for crowns on the teeth adjacent to the space of the missing tooth anyway, so a fixed dental bridge may be the best choice.