Basic Information About Dental Bridges for Teeth Replacement
If you are one of the millions of Americans missing teeth, you have likely looked into tooth replacement options. The American College of Prosthodontists estimates that roughly 178 million Americans are currently without at least one tooth, with as many as 40 million missing all their teeth. These numbers show that if you are missing teeth in your smile, you are far from alone. Dental implants can be a bit expensive for some patients for tooth replacement. Still, there are very acceptable alternatives, including a dental bridge as offered by Dr. Andrew Greenberg and the team at Mouth Carolina Dentistry in Charleston, South Carolina.
What are the common causes of tooth loss?
- Tooth Decay
- Physical Trauma
- Gum disease
- Normal Wear and Tear
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a custom-designed tooth replacement appliance that fills the space in your smile where you are missing teeth. The bridge consists of artificial teeth attached to a pink base that fills the gap and is affixed to natural teeth on either side, effectively acting as a bridge. A dental bridge will permanently restore your bite and provide a natural look that you are not self-conscious about showing off to others.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are two types of dental bridges. The first is a fixed dental bridge. This type of bridge is one where the bridge is put into place and affixed to the remaining natural teeth on either side of the gap. It is cemented in place, and only your dentist will be able to remove it. It provides stability and a natural look thanks to pontics (artificial teeth) which take the place of the missing tooth (or teeth). Placing this bridge can require multiple appointments.
The second type of bridge is an implant-supported bridge. You will need to get one or multiple dental implants before getting an implant-supported bridge. Once your implants are in place, the bridge will be attached to the implant. A significant benefit of an implant-supported dental bridge is that support from surrounding teeth is not necessary. Unlike a fixed dental bridge, this type of bridge does require a surgical procedure so the implants can be inserted into the jaw.
Before And After Results
When is a Dental Bridge Your Best Option?
While many dentists maintain that a dental implant is the best tooth replacement option on the market right now, there are some situations where your dentist will recommend a dental bridge over an implant.
A Dental Bridge is your best option:
When You Need It Quickly: Receiving a dental implant takes many months to complete, as proper healing is essential and takes time. Little can be done to circumvent this time frame. A dental bridge can be completed in as little as 3 weeks or less, even if you need to have a tooth extracted during the same time frame.
When Your Budget Doesn’t Allow For An Implant: Dental implants are the most expensive tooth replacement option available, often costing thousands of dollars. A dental bridge will cost you much less if your finances are a concern.
When You Have a Defect In Your Jawbone: When you have certain defects in your jawbone, the success rate of a dental implant is minimized. When a dental implant does not look like it will have a likely chance to succeed, a dental bridge is a great alternative.
When You Have Shifted Teeth: If a tooth has been missing long enough so that other teeth have shifted into the empty space, there may not be enough room for a dental implant. A bridge can help reshape the tilted teeth and provide a satisfactory tooth replacement option.
If you are interested in learning more about dental bridges, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Andrew Greenberg at Mouth Carolina Dentistry by calling (843)751 4262 today.
Mouth Carolina Dentistry, PA - Dr. Andrew Greenberg
Dr. Andrew Greenberg completed his Bachelor’s Degree in New Orleans, Louisiana at Tulane University. He graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine in 2009, where he portrayed excellent academic performance. He exercises his academic brilliance to the benefit of his patients every day. He grew up in a family with a dental background and showed interest in the field since his early days.
