What is a dental bridge?
If you have missing teeth, your dentist can close — or bridge — the gaps in your smile with dental bridges. A dental bridge is a false tooth (called a pontic) that is held in place by the abutment teeth on either side of the gap. Although pontics can be made from a variety of materials such as gold, typically they’re made from porcelain to aesthetically blend in with your natural teeth.
Why do I need a dental bridge?
When you have a missing tooth or missing teeth, it can affect you in a number of ways. A dental bridge can address those changes, including:
- restoring your smile
- restoring the ability to properly chew
- restoring your speech and pronunciation
- Tmaintaining the shape of your face
- re-adjusting your bite to properly distribute the force when you chew
- preventing your remaining teeth from moving out of the correct position.
What are the advantages of dental bridges?
- Dental bridges are usually small, lightweight, providing excellent chewing comfort
- They correct and re-distribute the normal bite force, compromised by your missing teeth
- Getting used to your new dental bridge is usually easy and comfortable
- Helps maintain the shape of your face
- Controls shifting and moving of adjoining teeth
- Enhances your natural speaking and eating ability
- Only 2 – 3 appointments are needed to complete your bridge restoration
- The longevity factor and general prognosis is good, if your hygiene and home care is maintained at a heightened level
