A dental bridge is a dental prosthetic we use to address missing teeth, replacing a single lost tooth or as many as three in a row. But should you consider a traditional one, or a prosthetic secured with one or more dental implants? In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about our dental bridges!
The Dental Bridges
When you have minor tooth loss, replacement is key for avoiding complications, such as misalignment, TMJ disorder, bruxism (teeth grinding), and even further tooth loss. With a bridge, we can fill the gap in your smile! We start by numbing your abutment teeth, the ones sitting on each side of the gap in your smile. We then remove structure from these teeth and take detailed images, impressions, and measurements of the abutment teeth and the gap itself. In a dental lab setting, we employ these to help design and craft a custom set of new teeth. The new teeth and crowns are made from ceramic, which can handle daily bite forces and pressures with ease, and also be color-matched to blend with the rest of your smile.
Traditional Support
With the traditional dental bridge, the prosthetic will contain one or more new teeth with crowns attached to each end. We then connect the crown portions to the abutment teeth, which secures your new teeth firmly in place. This option can last about 10 to 15 years, and need periodic replacement as the jaw ridge changes shape with time.
Securing Them with Dental Implants
Our team could also use dental implants to support your new teeth! With this option we don’t need to remove structure from abutment teeth, as instead we will insert one to two dental implants into the jaw directly, where they act as new roots and keep the jaw ridge from changing shape. Which means once we attach the prosthetic to them, your new prosthetic could last for decades to come, possibly even a lifetime, with proper care and attention.
Our team can help you decide which option is best for you, a traditional dental bridge or one supported with dental implants. We want to ensure you can smile with confidence, enjoy your favorite meals again, and avoid major oral health complications. If you have any questions about how we create and secure a custom prosthetic, or if you have missing teeth, you are ready to replace, then contact our team today to learn more and get started!
Dental Impressions Helps Replace Your Missing Teeth
We want to provide replacements that look natural and restore function to your smile, including traditional or implant-supported dental prosthetics. To schedule your appointment and learn more about securing new teeth, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
