What are dental bridges and is this type of restoration right for you? Before you choose one type of prosthetic over another, take a look at what you need to know about your options and the dental bridge procedure.

What Is A Bridge?

You can't make an informed decision about your dental work if you don't have all the facts. If you're not sure exactly what a bridge is, and how it can help you, the next step is to learn more about this type of restoration.

A dental bridge is one way to replace a missing tooth. The bridge includes a prosthetic (also known as artificial or fake) tooth that will fill the gap in your mouth. This dental device is more than just one fake tooth. A bridge requires the use of a crown on one side of the prosthetic to hold it in place. Some bridges are removable prosthetic devices. These have clips on both sides to secure the fake tooth.

Can A Bridge Replace Every Tooth?

Do you need to replace an entire row of upper or lower teeth? Unlike dentures, a bridge can't replace a full smile's worth of teeth. Instead, this dental device will fill smaller gaps and take the place of one or a few missing teeth. If a significant number of teeth are missing, a bridge isn't the best type of restoration or prosthetic option.

Should You Replace A Missing Tooth With A Bridge?

Simply stated, yes. Even though you don't have to replace a missing tooth, a bridge (or other prosthetic) has aesthetic, functional, and health benefits. What are the benefits of a bridge? These include:

• Create a full smile. Gaps can make some people self-conscious. If you hide your teeth and won't smile because of gaps, a bridge offers an easy way to improve your dental aesthetics. 

• Chew easily. Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat. A bridge solves this problem, making it possible to dine on your favorite foods again.

• Reduce the risk of bite problems. Without the right support, your other teeth could move or shift. This can throw off your might and lead to serious alignment issues. 

• Decrease pain. The gaps in your mouth can also put extra stress on your other teeth or your jaw. This can cause chronic pain or discomfort. 

To learn more about the benefits of dental bridges, contact your dentist. The dental professional can help you to choose the best restoration for your individual needs.