Tooth loss can affect patients differently. Some people might lose a single tooth while others might see three or more teeth in a row fall out of their mouths. Your dentist can replace these lost teeth and improve your smile’s appearance and oral function with restorative dental tools.
One form of prosthetic teeth that can suit your oral health needs is a dental bridge. This custom-made device can fill gaps in your smile and allow you to chew and speak with ease once again.
Your dentist can offer a few options when it comes to bridges, depending on your specific goals. Read on to compare three types of dental bridges that can replace your missing teeth and restore your smile.
Removable Partial Dentures
Looking for an affordable, flexible oral appliance that can replace several missing teeth at once? Your dentist can provide partial dentures, a removable device featuring custom-made prosthetic teeth. This can be a type of bridge if you seek a replacement for three or more teeth in a row.
The device will remain in place with natural suction to the gums, though you can also use an adhesive paste to keep your dentures secure. Some partial dentures also use a metal framework that connects to your remaining natural teeth for additional support.
Many people appreciate the ability to take the device out of their mouth when not needed. But you should note that removable appliances will require extra maintenance to keep them clean. These dentures last about five years before requiring replacement.
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge is a fixed appliance that features a row of ceramic prosthetic teeth. This can replace one or more consecutively missing teeth. Each end of the device has a dental crown, which will cover the neighboring teeth, known as abutment teeth, in order to keep the bridge in place in the mouth.
The crowns seal into place with dental cement, locking the appliance in the mouth. You will need assistance from a dentist to remove it, and it can last for fifteen years or longer with proper care.
You can see the restoration of the appearance and function of your smile with this treatment. The bridge prosthetic will be durable, though not indestructible. And it will resist staining for long-lasting smile enhancement.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
The implant-supported dental bridge offers the most comprehensive restorative benefits when it comes to tooth replacement. It replaces three or more missing teeth in a row and relies on two titanium post anchors surgically placed in the jaw to support the implant – one for each end of the dental prosthetic.
It will take three or more visits to your dentist’s office over the course of several months to complete this treatment. But at its conclusion, you will have a secure device that can restore your smile after tooth loss for more than twenty years. Discover your eligibility for this dental solution by scheduling a consultation with your dentist today.