What are the benefits of a dental bridge?

if you have a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, you may be weighing the advantages and disadvantages of tooth replacement options. Here, our Slave Lake dentists discuss some of the benefits of replacing missing teeth with dental bridges, compared to those of dental implants and dentures.

What is a dental bridge?

Dental bridges are fixed dental restorations that bridge the gap left by a missing tooth. They can be used to place a single missing tooth or several missing teeth in a row. Bridges are generally composed of two dental crowns (one on each side of the gap) and a false tooth or series of teeth that fill the space between them.

How do I know which type of tooth replacement to choose?

Each dental restoration and tooth replacement can come with different pros and cons. Based on a number of different factors like your budget, healthcare needs and lifestyle, a dentist will recommend a suitable tooth replacement option for you.=

Dental Bridges or Dental Implants?

Dental bridges and dental implants both are long-term solutions for missing teeth. One important difference between the two is that dental bridges typically need to be replaced after 5 to 15 years, while dental implants can last quite a bit longer than that.

with that being said, the dental bridge procedure is significantly less invasive than dental implants (which are a surgery) and requires a much shorter recovery time. In most instances, dental implants are also more expensive than dental bridges and may be less likely to be covered by insurance.

Dental Bridges or Dentures?

The main difference between dental bridges and dentures is that dentures are removable, while bridges are fixed to the surrounding teeth.

Most of the time, dental bridges will be recommended when there are only a few missing teeth to replace or when missing teeth are only present on one side of the mouth.

Dental bridges tend to be a little more costly than partial dentures, but both tooth replacement options are covered by most dental insurance plans.

Why replace missing teeth?

There are a variety of oral health issues that may arise when missing teeth aren't promptly replaced. It can make chewing, speaking and more difficult and, over time, the teeth around the gap may shift, worsening the problem and undermining the structure of your jaw. If this happens, the jaw may deteriorate, causing facial collapse.

Bridges, implants and dentures are all different solutions that can all help you avoid these issues. They all fill the space left by missing teeth, prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting, and help preserve your ability to chew and speak.