Why You Might Want A Tooth Bridge Over Implants

If you have one or more missing teeth, it can be easy to develop oral health problems beyond tooth decay, such as speech impediments and even periodontal disease. A tooth bridge, also known as a dental bridge, provides the support you need to prevent surrounding teeth from loosening or moving out of their correct positions. But what is a bridge, and how does it differ from a tooth implant?

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A bridge is a fixed appliance fitted into the mouth to fill the gap caused by missing teeth, according to the Academy of Osseointegration. This bridge is cemented to the "abutment teeth" on either side of the gap, providing an anchor so that it can be attached to either your natural teeth or the crowns fitted over them. Your dentist places artificial "pontic teeth" onto the bridge, in the space between the abutment teeth.

How They Differ from Implants

Implants are posts made from screws or cylinders, inserted surgically through your gum into the jawbone. Prosthetic teeth are then mounted individually on each of these posts, explains the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), to take the place of natural teeth and prevent the problems commonly associated with dental gaps. Keep in mind fitting implants is a much more complex procedure that requires surgical training. If your teeth are in excellent condition, then you won't have to worry about placing crowns or fitting a bridge to them.

Reasons You Might Need a Tooth Bridge

Gaps of any size between your teeth can cause problems. For example:

• The adjacent teeth begin to loosen, which causes them to shift out of their correct positions.
• Loose teeth in children may complicate the eruption of permanent teeth, encouraging them to come through improperly.
• Gaps and movement in teeth can affect your bite, according to Edward A Chipps, DDS, creating issues for your jaw and hindering your ability to speak and chew.

In the long term, a lack of dental support can cause other health issues as well, such as head- or earaches, as well as nose and throat irritation. This makes it important for patients to replace missing teeth as early as possible, rather than waiting to see whether problems go away on their own.

Types of Bridges

Different types of tooth bridges require different methods of fitting. Traditional bridges are typically made from porcelain or ceramic, and are fused to metal abutments. A cantilever bridge is supported on only one side of the gap. A bonded bridge is made from metal, and carries clips resembling wings on either side which are bonded to the back of the abutment teeth. This method often costs less than traditional bridges because the abutments don't always require crowns to cover them, but it may also be less secure than a traditional bridge.

Caring for Your Tooth Bridge

Good oral hygiene is important at any time, but when you're wearing a fixed appliance such as a dental bridge, it's even more crucial. Caring for your bridge appropriately gives it a lifespan of up to 10 years, according to the Canadian Dental Association. Just as you need to brush natural teeth daily using an appropriate toothbrush like the Colgate® 360°® Toothbrush, which has multi-level bristles to remove more plaque in between teeth, you also need to clean your bridgework thoroughly and use dental floss between each tooth.

 

Taking care of your bridge means taking care of your oral health. With this routine, you'll have the smile you want for as long as possible.

The above article is from colgate.com

Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 
2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 
Sioux City, IA 51104 
(712) 258-6169 
DrKava.com

What Can You Do About Missing Teeth?

Below is an excerpt from an article found on colgate.com

If you don't quite have a full set of permanent teeth, you might be surprised to learn that you're in good company. In fact, the average adult who is between the ages of 20 and 64 has at least three decayed or missing teeth, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).

Whether you lost your teeth in an accident or you had them pulled, replacement teeth not only have the potential to enhance your appearance, but they may also improve your chewing and speaking. Take a look at some of the tooth replacement options your dental health care professional might recommend for you.

Dental Implants

Because it is surgically implanted, a dental implant can offer a sturdy, long-term solution for a tooth replacement. The process of getting an implant involves three stages that can take place over several months. Despite this lengthy time frame, many people choose dental implants because they're the most similar to natural teeth and they can last for many years, or even decades.

Bridges

There are several types of dental bridges, which are devices that bridge the gap where your missing tooth or teeth used to be. Unlike dental implants, which typically don't affect your surrounding teeth, bridges are often attached to your adjacent teeth for support.

Dentures

If you have more than just a few missing teeth, your dental health care professional may recommend dentures, which are removable appliances that consist of numerous artificial teeth. Full dentures mimic the look and function of a full set of teeth, while overdentures will fit over a few remaining teeth. It may take some time to get used to wearing dentures, but after an adjustment period they should begin to feel comfortable and natural.

To read the entire article visit colgate.com

Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 
2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 
Sioux City, IA 51104 
(712) 258-6169 
DrKava.com