Dental Bridges 101: What Are They & What Are the Benefits?
Feb 13, 2023

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are an important part of oral health care. They are an effective way to replace missing teeth and restore a person’s smile. They are a great way to restore the natural appearance and function of the teeth and can help improve self-confidence.

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device to bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It is typically made up of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, which are held in place by two crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap.


How Do Dental Bridges Work?

Dental bridges are typically attached to the existing teeth on either side of the gap or by using implants or other dental appliances. The bridge is then custom fitted to the patient’s mouth, and the dentist will use special bonding material to secure the bridge in place.

 

The bridge comprises two crowns that go over the existing teeth on either side of the gap, and a pontic, the false tooth that bridges the gap. Once the bridge is in place, it will help to restore the natural alignment of the teeth and will help to improve the patient’s ability to chew and speak properly.

 


What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

1. Chewing Properly

A dental bridge can help to restore your ability to chew food properly by replacing the missing tooth. The bridge will be made of an artificial tooth and attached to adjacent teeth. This will help to ensure that the bridge fits in with your natural teeth, allowing you to chew without any discomfort. 

2. Restore Your Smile

The biggest benefit of a dental bridge is that it can help to restore your smile. A missing tooth can make it difficult to smile, as the gap in your smile may be noticeable. However, with a dental bridge, you can have a complete, natural-looking smile. The bridge will fill the gap in your smile, and the artificial tooth will look just like the rest of your natural teeth. 

3. Speak Clearly

A missing tooth can make it difficult to speak clearly. The gap in your mouth can cause you to mumble or slur your words, as the words may not be appropriately formed. A dental bridge can improve your ability to speak clearly, as the bridge can fill the gap in your mouth and allow you to form words properly. 

4. Prevent Teeth from Moving

When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth can shift and move out of place. This can cause a misalignment of the teeth, as well as an uneven bite. A dental bridge can help to prevent this from happening, as the bridge will fill the gap in your mouth and keep the surrounding teeth in place.

5. Maintain the Face’s Natural Shape

A missing tooth can cause the face to look sunken in, as the surrounding teeth may not be able to provide enough support. A dental bridge can help to maintain the face’s natural shape by providing the necessary support for the surrounding teeth. The bridge will also help to keep the jaw in a proper alignment, which can help to prevent jaw pain and discomfort. 


Final Thoughts

Dental bridges provide many benefits to those who are missing teeth. If you are considering getting a bridge, you must talk to your dentist to determine if it is the right choice. With the proper care and maintenance, your bridge can last for many years, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful, restored smile.

 


Dental Boutique West Chase is a family and cosmetic dental care provider offering
dental bridges in Tampa, Florida. With us, you have professionals helping you make the best decisions for your oral health. Book a consultation today to get started!

 


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