Losing a tooth can be difficult especially if the empty space is visible every time you smile. It can be quite uncomfortable and sometimes even embarrassing to expose that empty space whenever you open your mouth. As a result, many people with missing teeth choose to either smile very modestly (when they really want to smile widely) or avoid smiling altogether for fear of humiliation.
But no one has to endure such hardship. A simple dental option called dental bridges can help solve your problem right away.
Dental bridges are artificial teeth planted into the space previously occupied by the missing teeth. They can cover up for one or more lost teeth. Dental bridges are generally needed to close the gaps that missing teeth have left because the surrounding natural teeth can slowly move in to the empty space, thereby causing a bad bite and imbalance. Such an imbalance can further cause gum disease and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders.
Dental bridges make use of a pontic and two abutments. The pontic is the false tooth while the abutments are the natural teeth found before and after the empty space. Pontics are planted in between the abutments, which serve as anchors for the bridge, and attached to both of the abutments crowns. You have a variety of bridge materials to choose from including gold, porcelain, ceramic and porcelain. If you do not know which material would be ideal for you, the dentist can help you decide on this based on the area of the missing tooth, the function of the pontic and cost.
Although dental bridges last for a very long time, they can sometimes fall out due to a dental disease that has affected the area underneath the bridge. Hence, oral hygiene must be observed. For people with dental bridges, brushing with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing becomes necessary to eliminate any bacteria or plaque build up and strengthen the enamel of the teeth. It is also recommended that they regularly visit the dentist for checkups and cleanings.
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