If you have a missing tooth, or several in a row, then a dental bridge could fill the gap and provide a lifelike solution to missing teeth. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI, dentist talks about how we design and craft a custom bridge, and the difference between our fixed and implant-supported options.
The Risks of Your Lost Teeth
When you begin to lose your teeth, even if it’s only one, this could mean serious complications for your oral health and smile function. A missing tooth means a gap that could lead to surrounding teeth drifting from position, causing dental misalignment. An uneven smile often increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Missing teeth also upset the balance of your bite, a complication linked to TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). You could also feel self-conscious about smiling or laughing, and could have trouble eating your favorite foods.
The Dental Bridge
For situations in which there are only a few missing teeth in a row, or just one, a bridge is often prescribed. We could offer one as well. The prosthetic contains one or more pontics, or natural teeth, with crowns attached to each end. These will be custom-made based on detailed computer impressions taken of your smile, and crafted with ceramic. The material can be shaded to blend with the rest of the smile, and can also absorb daily bite forces and pressure. A traditional one involves removing structure from natural teeth on either side of the gap, known as abutment teeth, and attaching the crown to them. These tend to last about 10 to 15 years!
Implant Supported Options
For greater stability and a longer life, we could support them with dental implants. We don’t need to remove structure from abutment teeth, instead we insert one or more dental implants into the jawbone. These bond with the jaw like natural tooth roots, and we attach the bridge to them. As a result, your new prosthetic could last for decades to come, possibly even a lifetime! We will provide instructions for caring for either option, so you can enjoy lifelike and long-lasting tooth replacement. If you have any questions about how we address missing teeth, or about avoiding missing teeth, then contact our team today. A full smile is possible again!
TALK TO YOUR LIVONIA/DETROIT, MI DENTIST ABOUT DENTAL PROSTHETICS
Our team wants to help you smile with confidence again following tooth loss. Whether you have lost one tooth or most/all of them, we have options to help you. If you want to know more about addressing the gap in your smile with a custom dental prosthetic, then please contact your Livonia, MI, dentist, Dr. Stewart, by calling (734) 425-4400.