If you have a missing tooth, or a few in sequence, you are probably having trouble chewing, and you are also worried about your appearance. You could consider having dental implants, but the reality is that implants are expensive and not generally covered by dental insurers. Most insurers will cover at least part of the cost of other restorative dentistry procedures, so consider the benefits of dental bridges. A dental bridge is simply a prosthetic tooth, or series of teeth, that are anchored in place by remaining teeth and close up the gaps caused by the missing ones.
There are many benefits to dental bridges. First of all, almost anyone is a good candidate. As long as your adjacent teeth are healthy and do not have deep fillings, you can probably have a dental bridge made.
The Procedure
To fit you for a bridge, your dentist will anesthetize your mouth, shave off some of your tooth enamel, and then take an impression that is used to make your bridge. Once it is made, it is anchored in place using a special cement, and you have your smile back.
The Benefits
The benefits of dental bridges are many. First of all, they look completely natural, since they are colored and shaped to match your adjacent teeth. A dental bridge is also far less expensive than dental implants, and it will last a very long time assuming that you practice good oral hygiene – in other words, make sure that you continue to brush and floss regularly, and see Dr. Maniscalco for regular examinations and cleanings.
Because your dental bridge is fixed in place, you will never have to worry about it slipping or falling out. In this regard, the benefits of dental bridges actually equal those of implants, and the procedure is less invasive than implant surgery, which can require a significant recovery time.
Dental bridges also have an advantage over dentures, in that you can bite down and chew harder without worrying about causing harm.
Another of the benefits of dental bridges is that they prevent your remaining teeth from moving toward the empty spaces left by missing teeth, so you do not have to worry about developing a misaligned bite.