Having teeth missing can negatively impact your quality of life. Chewing, talking, and feeling confident may be difficult if your smile is incomplete. Not to mention that gaps in teeth can cause sagging of the cheeks and infections from food traps. But the good news is that there are solutions to missing teeth! Dental bridges and dental implants are two such solutions that can help restore your smile’s appearance, health, and function. But which one is best for you? Let’s take a look at each restorative treatment.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge literally “bridges” the gap left by a missing tooth. It is made of a realistic-looking artificial tooth that attaches on either side to abutment teeth, which serve as the anchor for the bridge. If these neighboring teeth are your natural teeth, their enamel will be shaved down to fit a dental crown on top. This crown is necessary to properly hold the bridge in place. Dental bridges allow you to chew, speak, and smile without issue. Instead of natural teeth with crowns, a bridge can also be supported by dental implants. Read on to learn about dental implants!
What Is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are surgically implanted below the gumline. This tooth replacement consists of a biocompatible titanium post that fuses to the jawbone. After the site has healed, a custom-fitted bridge or crown can then be placed on top of the titanium post. Dental implant surgery is a several-month process that involves an oral health evaluation, surgery, recovery, crafting of the restoration, and even prior jaw preparation and bone grafting. Although this process is time consuming, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime and can help keep your jawbone from deteriorating.
Which Is Right for Me?
If you desire teeth that are fixed firmly into the mouth and you don’t mind a lengthier process for treatment, dental implants might be right for you. But if you have bone density problems, you may not be a great candidate for implants. And if you are looking to replace teeth but desire a minimally invasive procedure, a bridge may be the best choice for you. Either way, we can help you achieve a beautiful that will help restore your confidence and prevent future oral health problems!
Restore Your Smile at Signature Smiles
Schedule a consultation to restore your smile. We can answer any additional you have about dental implants or dental bridges, and find a solution that addresses your smile goals. Contact us today!
