Various treatment options exist for missing teeth. One common option is dental bridges.
A dental bridge is a replacement set of teeth that adjacent teeth anchor in place. Typically, a dental bridge is made of porcelain to mimic the appearance of real teeth and restore a patient’s smile.
Although a dental bridge may be the best treatment option for some patients, no form of treatment for missing teeth is universally superior to all others. Like any treatment option, dental bridges have their own pros and cons. They include the following:
Pros of Dental Bridges
Major advantages dental bridges may offer are:
- Affordability: You may need to account for such practical factors as your budget when deciding what form of treatment is best for replacing your missing teeth. If this is a concern, be aware that dental bridges are often cost-effective when compared to such options as dental implants.
- Cosmetic benefits: Missing teeth can detract from your appearance (and your confidence). By restoring your smile with dental bridges that resemble your actual teeth, you may feel much less self-conscious and more confident in day-to-day life.
- Easy treatment: Dental implant treatment can be a lengthy process. On the other hand, the procedure of inserting dental bridges is much less time-consuming and far simpler.
- Guarding against dental and oral health issues: Missing teeth don’t just negatively affect your appearance. They can also lead to other oral and dental health problems, such as shifting teeth and alignment problems. A dental bridge may guard against these issues.
- Improved speech and chewing: When you’re missing one or more teeth, basic tasks like chewing and speaking may become challenging. Dental bridges can correct this.
These are among the top reasons patients may choose to replace their missing teeth with dental bridges. That said, there are also reasons some patients decide to pursue other treatment options.
Cons of Dental Bridges
Reasons you may conclude dental bridge treatment isn’t ideal include:
- Oral hygiene maintenance requirements: Maintaining your oral hygiene is always important. However, doing so may also become slightly more difficult with dental bridges. This is because food particles may become trapped under a bridge. If they aren’t routinely cleaned away, this can result in bacteria potentially eating away at teeth and gums. To guard against future oral health issues, you will need to practice good oral hygiene to a greater extent than you might do so already.
- Additional dental work: Grinding down the adjacent teeth is often necessary to accommodate a dental bridge. Additionally, sometimes the teeth that are meant to support a dental bridge aren’t strong enough to do so unless other procedures (such as root canals) are performed first.
- Reduced lifespan: Again, the process of receiving dental bridges takes much less time than the process of receiving dental implants. The problem is, even though dental bridges may stay in good condition for years with proper upkeep, they rarely last as long as dental implants. You may therefore need to undergo additional treatment in the future when your dental bridge begins to fail.
Keep in mind that various factors can influence whether a patient with missing teeth is a candidate for a given procedure. Your dentist will account for these factors when deciding which form of treatment is right for you.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Bridges? Factors to Consider
Factors affecting your potential eligibility for dental bridges include:
- Whether your teeth can support bridges
- Your commitment to a thorough oral health regimen
- The location of your missing teeth, as dental implants are often the better option for replacing missing teeth near the back of the mouth
- Age, as older patients with weak gums or teeth may not be able to support dental bridges
These are topics a dentist may discuss with you when determining how best to replace your missing teeth. Feel free to ask questions during these discussions! The more you learn about your options, the more comfortable you’ll be with the form of treatment you and your dentist decide on.
Talk to a Cosmetic Dentist About Dental Bridges Today
At 508dentist, offering cosmetic dentistry services in North Attleborough & Swansea, MA, our team would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have about dental bridges to determine if this treatment option is ideal for you. Learn more about how we can help by contacting us online or calling us at 508-336-8478.