If you are looking for a solution for missing teeth, you would have definitely come across dental bridges. A dental bridge consists of two crowns known as abutment teeth or implants on either side of the gap in mouth, in addition to a pontic (false tooth) that joins the two crowns.

Besides aesthetic purposes, dental bridges also have several functional benefits. However, each situation and person is different, and several factors are involved in deciding whether you are a good candidate for getting dental bridges. In this blog we will discuss about the major advantages of dental bridges that will help you decide whether you need the procedure or not.

Prevents Drifting

When you fill in gaps in your smile with a restorative procedure like a dental bridge, it helps in preventing adjacent teeth from moving into the space of the missing tooth.

Improves Speech

Losing multiple teeth can lead to difficulty in speaking. Dental bridges can get rid of difficulty in pronouncing certain words.

Restore Your Smile

Missing teeth can make you conscious and dull your smile, dental bridges are an effective way to restore your smile.

Keep Jawline in Shape

Tooth loss can even result into jawline weakening because the tooth roots stimulate bone cells present in the jawbone. In absence of the stimulation, jawbone starts deteriorating causing further tooth decay and changes in facial structure. Dental bridges can help in restoring the stimulation and keep jawline in shape and prevent further damage.

Procedure

A traditional dental bridge will most likely require two appointments. The first appointment will prepare the abutment teeth and take impressions of your teeth. A temporary bridge will be given while the final dental bridge is created. During a second appointment, the temporary bridge will be replaced by the final dental bridge.

The material used to construct the false teeth may vary in each case. Widely-popular materials are usually metals such as gold, silver or porcelain.

Good dental hygiene is not only imperative to keep your teeth strong and healthy, but is also necessary to maintain a long, healthy lifespan for your bridge. The average bridge lasts between five and seven years, but with proper care, some bridges can last more than a decade

Talk to your dentist about the options to decide whether you should get a dental bridge or go for any other treatment.