A Closer Look at How Bridges Work

You need a strong set of teeth to bite and chew your food. Furthermore, an attractive smile with no missing teeth gives you confidence. 

Unfortunately, teeth sometimes need to come out. Severe tooth decay, gum disease, trauma to the mouth, cracked or broken teeth, and even overcrowding or bite problems can lead to tooth extraction.

Once your tooth is removed, you face a decision: what can you do to replace the missing tooth? Should you choose dental implants or a dental bridge? Both offer advantages. To decide which is right for you, it pays to educate yourself about both options.

At VaraniSmile in Turlock, California, general dentist Antoine Varani and our team of dental care providers take pride in educating our patients about all of their dental care choices. Here, we take a closer look at dental bridges.

Understanding dental bridges

A dental bridge is a type of smile restoration that replaces your tooth or teeth with attractive replacements, sometimes called pontics.

There are several types of dental bridges, but here at VaraniSmile, Dr. Varani usually recommends a type of bridge called a porcelain fixed bridge. 

With this type of bridge, your artificial tooth — the pontic — is held in place by supportive crowns on the teeth next to the pontic. The pontic is attached, or fixed, to the neighboring anchor teeth with a strong dental cement.

A dental bridge restores your smile by bridging the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth.

Advantages of a dental bridge

Replacing a missing tooth or teeth with a dental bridge can improve your appearance. But it has other benefits as well. Not only does it help with biting and chewing, but it can reduce your risk of future gum recession, loss of tissue in your jawbone, and limit the shifting of your other teeth.

And believe it or not, a dental bridge can even impact the appearance of your skin. Missing teeth can cause your facial skin to sag, which can contribute to lines and wrinkles on your face.

With the proper care, a dental bridge can last 12-15 years. To take the best care of your bridge, and all of your teeth and gums, Dr. Varani encourages you to brush and floss regularly, have regular dental care and cleanings, and avoid bad habits, such as chewing ice, that can damage your teeth.

Our dental experts are here for you

Our team looks forward to answering your questions regarding dental bridges and any other dental health topic. We can also help you decide whether to choose a dental bridge or a dental implant to replace missing teeth. To schedule an appointment, call us at (209) 248-6659 or use our easy online booking form.