Dental Bridges: Pros and Cons

If you are missing multiple teeth, there’s a good chance that dental bridges have come up when discussing tooth replacement options with your dentist in London. Just as the name implies, dental bridges act like a bridge, holding artificial teeth in place in the gap left by missing teeth. 

What is a dental bridge? 

A dental bridge is a permanent solution for patients who are missing one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges have two main components – abutment teeth and pontics. The abutment teeth are the teeth alongside the gap where the dental bridge attaches. The dental bridge also has pontics, which are the artificial teeth that are replacing the natural teeth that are missing.

A dental bridge is usually installed by affixing either end to a crown that’s been installed onto the abutment teeth. To ensure they fit perfectly, dental bridges are custom made to fit your mouth.

How are dental bridges made?

When you are fit for a dental bridge, your dentist in South London and team will take impressions to create a mold of your mouth. That mold is then sent away to a lab that specializes in making dental appliances like dentures, crowns, and bridges. It can take days, and sometimes even weeks, for the custom-made appliance to be completed, so your dentist will often provide you with a temporary bridge to wear while you wait.

Who is eligible for dental bridges? 

The most common cause of tooth loss is gum disease, and dental bridges are a permanent solution for missing teeth. To be eligible for a dental bridge, a patient must have teeth on either side of the gap that are healthy enough to support the bridge. If you do not have healthy abutment teeth, other tooth replacement options like dentures or implants will be discussed.

Why do I need a bridge? 

While there are other tooth replacement options to consider, it is extremely important to have any missing teeth replaced as soon as possible. Gaps between the teeth leave room for other teeth to shift around, which could cause misalignment throughout your teeth and mouth, and even impact the strength of your jaw bone and facial structure.

If you are missing one or more teeth and are ready to take some action, call the team at Highland Woods Dentistry in London today. We’ll schedule an appointment to assess your current situation and discuss whether a dental bridge is the right treatment option for you.