Dental Bridge Alternatives
Missing teeth can be a major problem from a number of different perspectives. From an aesthetic point of view, a smile that’s missing some teeth just doesn’t look all that attractive. It may leave you feeling self-conscious about smiling. Many people with missing teeth tend to cover their mouths then they talk or laugh, even around people that they know and care about. From a dental health standpoint, there are plenty of dental problems to consider that people may not be aware you’re your bite strength and ability to chew can be severely affected by missing teeth. Bone loss is common in the spot where the tooth is missing, as is gum recession. Over time, the teeth surrounding the tooth gap can slowly shift out of place and become misaligned since there is no adjacent tooth or teeth to maintain proper alignment.
It’s for this reason that many patients come to visit a Brooklyn Heights cosmetic dentist at our practice. Dr. Eugene D. Stanislaus and his entire team of dental professionals is committed to providing every patient with the best possible care. In some cases, patients who are missing multiple teeth will best benefit from getting dental bridges, which are a great treatment option. Yet, while dental bridges are a fine solution for missing teeth, there are other options to consider as well. We’d like to look at the alternatives to getting dental bridges right now so you have some idea of what to expect from dental care treatment.
If you are missing many teeth, it may be a better option to get dentures rather than dental bridges. Dental bridges rely on the adjacent teeth to help lend support and keep the bridges fixed in place. Dentures, by contrast, will use the bone and gum structures of the mouth to be held in place. The hold is generally good, and denture creams may be used to help maintain the position of the denture in the mouth.
One of the best options to consider for missing teeth, however, is dental implants. Dental implants are not dental restorations in themselves but are rather a means of securing dental restorations in place as firmly and securely as natural tooth roots. Brooklyn Heights dental implants are essentially artificial tooth roots that are integrated into the bone and soft tissue structures of the mouth through oral surgery. Once the dental implants are in place, they can be used to support a single dental crown, dental bridges, or even full dentures. Both bite strength and appearance will be enhanced when the dental implants are in place.
It should be noted that while dental implants are a fine solution for missing teeth, not everyone is a good candidate for implant dentistry. Issues with bone density or gum recession can prevent people from getting dental implants, though special grafting procedures for bone and gum tissue may help make a person eligible for dental implants. In order to find out if dentures, dental implants, or dental bridges are best for you, you need to visit Brooklyn Heights Dental.
To schedule an appointment with a member of our team or to learn more about your treatment options for missing teeth and other dental problems, contact our Brooklyn Heights cosmetic and family dentistry practice today.
