Dental bridges ‘bridge’ the gap between two sets of teeth. A bridge comprises two crowns that are clasped or attached to either side of a natural tooth as an abutment to anchor the bridge. When there’s a gap in your teeth, it can negatively impact overall mouth functioning such as speaking and chewing. At the same time, it can weaken the strength of your jawbone. If you are interested, you can learn in detail about what is a tooth bridge.
Dental bridges are more convenient for those who are seeking a cost affordable option and maybe cannot afford treatments like dental implants.
This doesn’t mean that dental bridges aren’t worth it because there are some secret benefits to dental bridges that will help keep your oral health stronger and your smile better.
What Are The Available Treatments?
Let’s just remind ourselves of the available dental bridge treatments.
- Traditional Bridges – A false tooth is held in place by the crowns that are fixed to bridge the gap between your teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridges – A similar alternative to traditional bridges, where an artificial tooth fills the gap between other teeth. The difference compared to traditional bridges is that it doesn’t require anchoring or support from any natural teeth.
- Cantilever Bridges – An alternative option if a bridge cannot be anchored to a natural tooth on both sides. A cantilever bridge is available where only one of the gaps can be anchored. It’s considered a last resort option because of the excessive force it adds to your natural teeth.
- Maryland Bridges – Maryland bridges involve the support of neighbored teeth acting as an anchor on both sides, where metal frameworks are bonded like wings to either side of the porcelain tooth used to fill the gap.
What Are The Benefits?
If you’re considering applying bridges, here are some benefits you may not be aware of:
- Strong Mouth Functioning – Dental bridges are designed to restore natural mouth functioning to go with an aesthetic look. You will consider your bridges your natural teeth, and you’ll be able to chew down food naturally and speak with clear speech.
- Maintains Facial Structure – Missing teeth can cause your facial structure to degrade but also cause your teeth to shift in abnormal positions. This can increase the risk of bone loss. Bridges will help preserve your structure and keep your teeth in place to deliver a nice-looking smile.
- Improve Quality of Life – A strong smile naturally improves the quality of life and self-confidence. This means presenting yourself with many different opportunities whilst creating a great first impression with your peers.
Are Dental Bridges A Better Option Than Implants?
Dental bridges are less invasive and faster than dental implants, although dental implants are stand-alone because the screw is infused into the jawbone with a crown connected with an abutment. This means implants do not depend on being supported by other teeth. Although, implants are expensive, very expensive compared to bridges. Both are designed to be as natural as possible, and typically, implants last longer. Although, the cost of them is likely to put some people off. Ultimately, both are designed to deliver the same benefits, but you can get multiple teeth from a bridge at a cheaper cost compared to a single implant.
Both have great benefits. Consult your dentist on which choice of treatment you feel will best suit your needs. If it’s dental bridges, get yourself checked in at your local dentist to restore the aesthetics in your smile!
