Dental Bridge Candidates: Replacing Missing Teeth
The team here at Brooklyn Heights Dental® is dedicated to all patients in the area, helping them have smiles that are healthy as well as beautiful. When patients are missing teeth, dental bridges are a great option to consider. We'd like to look at the general candidacy for dental bridges right now.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is an appliance that helps replace a missing tooth or a gap where a few teeth had once been. The bridge is held in place by latching around the teeth that are adjacent to the tooth gap. This ensures a sturdy hold, allowing patients to smile, bite, chew, and speak as they normally would have.
General Candidates for Dental Bridges
Ideal candidates for dental bridges are people who are missing a tooth or a few teeth. They should be in otherwise good dental health and realistic expectations about the crafting of a dental bridge and proper care for a dental bridge. While the bridge isn't like your natural teeth, it will require cleaning and proper care to last for the years to come.
Crown-Supported and Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
While traditional dental bridges are removable, they can be fixed in place in different ways. This basically means that the bridge will be locked into the tooth gap, preventing it from slipping out and offering an even more secure hold of the appliance.
There are two options for a fixed dental bridge:
- Crown-Supported Dental Bridges - Crown-supported dental bridges are bridges that are fixed by crowns on either side of the appliance. The crowns are caps that fit over the tops of the teeth adjacent to the tooth gap
- Implant-Supported Dental Bridges - Implant-supported dental bridges refer to bridges that are held in place with dental implants. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically anchored into your jawbone and gum tissue.
The Extent of the Tooth Loss Is Important to Consider
Dental bridges are ideal for people who have lost a few teeth. If a patient has lost many teeth or all of their teeth along the dental arch, dental bridges simply will not be a good solution for their needs. In those cases, an alternative will need to be considered instead.
Alternatives to Dental Bridges
When a person has most of his or her teeth along the dental ridge, the ideal option for treatment tends to be a partial denture or full denture. These kinds of appliances are able to replace more teeth along the dental arch, which helps with restoring function and appearance to the smile.
Making the Right Choice for You and Your Needs
During a consultation at Brooklyn Heights Dental®, we will be sure to consider all of your options for care regarding the replacement of missing teeth. Once we determine the ideal treatment option for you and your needs, we will make sure you understand all of the risks and benefits involved so that you can make a well-informed choice about your dental health and wellness.
Learn More About Dental Bridges
If you would like to find out if dental bridges are ideal for you and your needs, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. The entire team here at Brooklyn Heights Dental® looks forward to seeing you here in person and helping you achieve excellent dental health.