Dental bridges have been used for many years to replace missing teeth. If only one or a few teeth are missing, and a full denture is not required, dental bridges are a common option. If you are considering dental bridges as an option in Littleton, here is some information to help you understand how dental bridges work.

The Dental Bridge

Unlike full dentures, a dental bridge replaces only a few teeth. A bridge consists of replacement teeth that are anchored to the adjacent teeth in the mouth. In order to anchor the bridge, the adjacent teeth must be restructured. One way to anchor a bridge is to attach it to a crown. The crown is placed over an adjacent tooth, and that tooth must be restructured to support it.

Placing a crown requires the dentist to make modifications to the tooth. The crown is then set into place over the restructured tooth. The prosthetic tooth is attached to the crown.

Another way to anchor a dental bridge is to have it attached to the adjacent teeth with wires. This also requires some restructuring of the adjacent teeth, but not as much as is required for a crown. Bridges can be anchored between two teeth or, if necessary, to a single tooth.

Why Choose a Dental Bridge?

Missing teeth can lead to a variety of issues. If there is a gap in your smile, it can make you self-conscious about your appearance. will improve your look and restore your confidence.

In addition to being detrimental to your appearance, missing teeth can cause problems with the rest of your mouth. Gaps can lead to shifts in your other teeth that can disturb your alignment and shift your bite. Alignment problems could cause abnormal wear and tear to your teeth. It can also lead to clenching and grinding, which can also damage your teeth. In some cases, misalignment can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder, which can cause severe headaches, earaches, or problems with the jaw, upper back and neck.

For more information about dental bridges and other options to replace missing teeth, please contact the doctor Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation.