You may be eager to replace missing teeth. You may feel self-conscious about the gaps in your smile, and these gaps may even affect your ability to pronounce certain words and to chew effectively. There are many reasons to restore teeth, and our dentists can help you find the right way to do so, whether with dental bridges or another option. To arrange a consultation, please call the DENTAL STUDIO SF at (415) 392-5025.
Dental Bridges To Replace Missing Teeth
The structure of a dental bridge is described by its name: The restoration bridges the gap left by the absent tooth. An artificial tooth called a pontic is situated in the gap. This pontic is supported on either side by dental crowns. These crowns fit over the teeth beside the gap.
It’s an effective way to replace teeth that has been used for quite some time. But it’s certainly not the only option. Many people opt for dental implants, which are titanium posts inserted in the boney ridge beneath your teeth. A crown is placed on top of the implant.
Oftentimes an implant-supported bridge is an option. This structure increases the durability, stability and longevity of the bridge by anchoring it securely to the bone beneath your teeth. The dentist will help you choose what works best for you.
Reasons To Consider A Dental Bridge
For certain people, dental bridges can be a great choice. They offer the following benefits:
- Effective tooth replacement
- Aesthetically pleasing and look like your natural teeth
- Restore your confidence in your smile
- Improve your ability to chew and to bite
- Eliminate speech problems caused by missing teeth
- Prevent other teeth from tilting and drifting toward the gap
Without tooth replacement, the open space allows other teeth to shift toward it. The result is crooked teeth and an uneven bite. This is just one of the issues. You may also feel embarrassed to smile, which can be bad for your mental and emotional health. A dental bridge lets you eliminate all these problems.
The Procedure, Cost And Longevity
The process itself is not complicated but involves more than one visit to our office. The first appointment is reserved for tooth preparation. The teeth receiving the crowns must be reduced in size so that the crowns will fit over them. You’ll be provided with a temporary restoration while the final version is fabricated at our lab. Once it’s ready, you return to our office to have it placed.
The cost varies so it’s important to arrange a consultation to get an exact quote. When you visit us, we ask you to please bring along your insurance card. We will determine whether your policy provides any coverage for the bridge.
There is no predetermined lifespan for a dental bridge, but typically they last between 5 to 15 years. At some point it may crack, wear or discolor, in which case it would need to be replaced. It is because of longevity that many people opt for dental implants, which are known to typically last for decades, and potentially for a lifetime.
How Do You Choose?
Dental bridge, dental implant, dentures – how do you choose? Rely on the experience and skill of our dentists. Instead of telling you what to do, they will make sure you know all of the tooth replacements for which you are a candidate. They will then help you weigh pros and cons, cost issues, insurance issues, longevity and your other priorities so that you can make an informed choice.
To arrange your consultation at our Bay Area practice, please call the DENTAL STUDIO SF team at (415) 392-5025.