Does a Dental Bridge Last? 4 Reasons Why You Should Consider It
We all experienced being toothless when we were kids, but it’s not fun when you’re an adult. A gap on your teeth is embarrassing and makes you feel uncomfortable when smiling or talking to other people. Besides lacking elegance and confidence, a missing tooth can be harmful to your dental and oral health.
In addition to other restorative procedures, modern versions of dental bridges are increasingly getting attention when replacing a missing tooth. Here’s why:
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is among the many restorative options for a missing tooth, “bridging” the gap between the teeth. It is permanent, used for practical and aesthetic reasons, and lets you speak and eat better while restoring your tooth’s appearance. Bridges are a better option for wide tooth gaps than another procedure called dental crown to fix cracked, uneven, weak, and crooked teeth. For crown procedures, Zirconia crowns are the best type since it makes you feel and look natural.
There are three types of dental bridge material: gold, alloy, and porcelain. For many, they go for porcelain since it matches the natural color of human teeth. On your dental visit, the dentist will put an artificial tooth (called pontic) very close in shape and size to your missing tooth. It often takes two visits to complete a dental bridge procedure.
An average dental bridge lasts anywhere between five to fifteen years. But with proper care, the lifespan can be up to 20 to 30 years. The cost depends on the type of bridge you need. Fortunately, your insurance can significantly reduce your expenses. That’s why you need to choose a reputable dental clinic, like this dental bridges Gonzales clinic, because not all dental bridges have the same quality.
Advantages of Dental Bridges
- Restore your ability to speak normally since a missing tooth can impede proper pronunciation
- Bring back the natural look of your mouth and smile
- Restore your ability to chew food efficiently
- Prevent bone loss from the jaw where your tooth is missing to maintain your normal facial structure
- Help avoid biting problems and other complications by preventing the adjacent tooth to move into your tooth gaps
Important Reasons to Replace a Missing Tooth with Dental Bridges
Besides cosmetic reasons, choosing not to replace your missing tooth is not an option. Instead, visit your dentist to discuss what best suits your needs. Here’s how a missing tooth can affect your dental health:
1. Your Face Could Change
The American Dental Association (ADA) notes that even a back tooth loss can cause your mouth to shift, potentially making you look older. Every aspect of your face is connected, so a lost tooth can result in bone deterioration and muscle drooping over time.
While you can’t avoid losing a tooth, it’s crucial to replace it to maintain your oral health. Plus, it ensures your face doesn’t change dramatically due to a missing tooth.
2. A Tooth May Shift and Loosen
If all your teeth are present, neatly aligned, they can keep each other stable and in line. But if you’re missing even a single tooth, teeth shifting can occur. They can drift out of place, causing bite changes and possible gum disease and tooth decay.
3. Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ) Disorder
TMJ are muscles on the side of your head that help you chew and rotate your jaw. If you don’t replace a missing tooth, it can lead to a TMJ disorder, which also causes a lot of pain. Though this disorder can be diagnosed and treated by a dental specialist, prevention is always the best treatment.
4. It Can Affect Your Mental Health
You may ignore chewing problems for a while, but it can become irritating in the long run. A missing tooth can even affect your speech patterns, resulting in low self-esteem. So, it’s better to temporarily endure getting used to having a new dental bridge rather than a permanent discomfort due to a missing tooth.