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Living with missing teeth can be tough. You may feel self-conscious about sharing your smile, struggle to chew certain foods, and even experience health problems related to poor oral hygiene. But don't worry! At the office of Bruce S. Barr, DMD, we offer a range of solutions for replacing missing teeth, including fixed dental bridges. Our goal is to help every patient enjoy the benefits of a complete and beautiful smile.
When you lose a tooth, it's not just an aesthetic problem. The surrounding teeth can shift or tilt into the gap left by the missing tooth over time, and teeth in the opposite jaw may slowly drift downward toward this empty space. This can lead to numerous issues, including difficulty chewing, speaking problems, and even changes in facial structure. That's why replacing missing teeth is essential for maintaining good oral health and overall well-being.
A traditional fixed dental bridge is a tried-and-true method of care that has been around for years. It replaces the missing teeth with artificial ones called "pontics" while relying on adjacent natural teeth for support. These supporting teeth are prepared and crowned to hold the bridge securely in place. The number of adjacent teeth involved depends on how many teeth need replacing.
Once fabricated and fitted, a dental bridge will be permanently fixed or cemented into your mouth. Like crowns, bridges are designed to look just like natural teeth and provide a comfortable, functional bite. They can also help prevent further tooth loss by distributing the forces of chewing evenly across all remaining teeth.
Today, dental implants offer an innovative and advanced alternative to traditional fixed bridges. Unlike conventional bridges, implant-supported bridges do not require the preparation of adjacent natural teeth for support. Instead, they use small titanium posts placed directly into the jawbone as anchors for the bridge. These implants fuse with the surrounding bone over time, providing unparalleled stability and strength to support a short or long-span fixed bridge.
In addition to their incredible support, dental implants also help maintain healthy bone levels in the edentulous areas (the spaces without teeth). By stimulating the surrounding bone during the process of osseointegration, they prevent the shrinkage that often occurs after tooth loss. This not only supports normal facial contours but also helps preserve your overall oral health.
At our practice, we take a comprehensive approach to dental care, tailoring every treatment plan to meet each patient's unique needs and goals. To learn more about dental bridges or any of the services we provide, please get in touch with us today!