What Dental Bridges Are—Their Advantages And Disadvantages

If not filled, the gaps left behind by missing teeth can ruin your smile and cause adjacent teeth to move and become loose. Before you know it, the remaining teeth may fall out of your mouth.  

The good news is that many modern dentists offer various treatment options for missing teeth. One of those treatments is dental bridges. 

Read along to learn what dental bridges are and why they may or may not be an excellent way to fix the unsightly gaps created by your missing teeth.

What Are Dental Bridges?

As the name suggests, a dental bridge helps bridge the gap created by a missing tooth. It is typically a three-part structure comprising an artificial tooth, called a pontic, bonded to two dental crowns that cover and protect the abutment teeth—the teeth on each side of the gap left behind by the missing tooth. 

Materials used to make bridges include porcelain, pure metal, alloy metal, zirconia, and more. 

What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges offer many unique advantages. These include the following: 

• Restores Your Smile—dental bridges can give the appearance of a fuller smile, boosting your self-esteem and confidence.  
• Protects Your Remaining Teeth—a dental bridge prevents the remaining healthy teeth next to it from becoming loose and falling out.
• Preserves Your Facial Appearance—aside from giving you a smile makeover, dental bridges can help prevent jaw erosion that may lead to a sunken-in facial appearance. 
• Lasts Long—although they don't last forever, quality dental bridges can last for many years as long as they are maintained well.

Despite the many advantages they offer, dental bridges have their drawbacks. Patients may require multiple visits to complete the process of getting dental bridges. And damage to the abutment teeth can cause the entire dental bridge to collapse or fail. The teeth may eventually have to be replaced with dental implants, increasing the overall cost of treatment.

Dental bridges give people a smile makeover while protecting their remaining healthy teeth. They are an excellent alternative to treatment options like dentures and dental implants. If you think you can benefit from treatment with dental bridges, book an initial consultation with your local dentist. 

During this consultation, the dentist will review your dental and medical history and perform a dental examination to determine if you are a good candidate for bridges.  

Talk to your dentist to learn more about dental bridges.