When a person is missing one or more teeth but does not need a full set of dentures, dental bridges may be recommended to take the place of the lost teeth. The number of teeth that a dental bridge replaces may depend on several factors.
Dental bridges consist of two or more crowns that attach to the abutment teeth at each end of the vacant space and connect to one or more artificial teeth called pontics. Bridges are usually constructed from a metal base, covered by porcelain and shaded to match the natural teeth.
A dental bridge can take the place of a single tooth but is commonly used to restore two, three, four, or more teeth. The greater the number of missing teeth, the more crowns needed to support the bridge and the less stable the bridge tends to be. Dentists use implants to provide additional reinforcement for bridges that replace large numbers of teeth or for patients who do not have strong enough natural teeth to support the bridge. Dental implants may also be used as free-standing teeth to fill gaps that are not adjacent to the bridged area.
People often elect to have missing front teeth restored for aesthetic reasons, but it can also be wise to replace back teeth. When spaces in the gums are left empty, the surrounding teeth can move in the patient's mouth, causing changes to the bite and sometimes resulting in problems such as temporomandibular joint disorders. Bridges also have other aesthetic and functional benefits:
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Bridges in Phoenix, AZ.
Bridges come in four main types.
Using dental bridges to replace missing teeth can improve the appearance of the smile and the functionality of the teeth. The number of teeth that can be replaced depends on the type of bridge and how many healthy natural teeth the patient has retained.
Request an appointment or call Modern Smiles Family Dentistry at 602-362-7065 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.
After tooth decay or oral health concerns develop, prompt and effective treatment from the dentist is often required. A dental crown is one of the main treatment options dentists recommend to treat a range of oral health and cosmetic issues. A dental crown can improve a tooth's size, shape, and function and last for over…
For patients in need of dental crowns, there are plenty of options available. Two of the most common choices are porcelain crowns and metal crowns (often with a porcelain overlay fused to the metal). Depending on a patient's specific circumstances, one of these crown types may be the preferred option.Metal crowns have the advantage of…
When a dentist recommends dental implants, it is usually because a patient is missing one or more teeth. Implants essentially replace the roots of teeth, providing a secure holding for a crown, or artificial tooth, to be placed. This procedure may take several months, but the patient can benefit from chewing and biting normally again,…
When a dentist recommends dental implants, it is usually because a patient is missing one or more teeth. Implants essentially replace the roots of teeth, providing a secure holding for a crown, or artificial tooth, to be placed. This procedure may take several months, but the patient can benefit from chewing and biting normally again,…
Many people get dentures because they believe that missing a tooth is not appealing from a cosmetic standpoint. Missing teeth can also be detrimental to your oral health. This is why dentures are necessary to replace teeth, among other options. The dentist will go through the various alternatives with you. Regardless, you should always try…