If you’re missing a prominent front tooth, you want it replaced and quickly. But some people who are missing a molar hidden far back in their mouth may not give a second thought to its absence. After all, no tooth means no tooth to worry about… except there are plenty of oral health issues to concern yourself with when you are short a tooth. No matter the circumstances, you’ll want to consider a dental bridge to fix the problem.

1. A Dental Bridge Can Replace One or a Few Teeth

Typically, a dental bridge is used to replace one missing tooth, but it can replace up to three teeth in many cases. This possibility will depend on the condition of the neighboring teeth and whether they can support such a large dental restoration. If you have several missing teeth in one area, your dentist may recommend a different repair, such as a dental-implanted supported denture.

2. Dental Bridges Can Last for Decades

A common, affordable, and minimally invasive solution, a dental bridge also has staying power and can last for decades with daily care and regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and check-ups. If you take good care of your teeth and gums, and your dentist has done an excellent job of repairing your smile, you can keep your dental restorations for as long as you keep your natural teeth.

3. A Dental Bridge Preserves Alignment

One of the most problematic side effects of missing teeth, besides the cosmetic aspect of it, is misalignment. How can a hole in your smile cause crooked teeth? Easy. Given enough space and time, nearby teeth will start to float out of their own position to fill in the gap left by your missing tooth, thereby cause tissue damage and disturbing alignment. Should you find yourself missing a tooth after years of dedicated orthodontic treatment, this kind of problem can be catastrophic to your oral health and the appearance of your smile. It’s so simple to just fill in the space with a customized dental bridge.

4. There Are Different Types of Dental Bridges

Depending on the condition of your oral health, the cause of your missing tooth, and your dentist’s preferences, she may recommend different types of dental bridges to fix the problem, including:

  • Traditional: This is the dental restoration most people are familiar with. A bridge is made with a false tooth attached to it, clasped to neighboring teeth, and anchored in place using porcelain crowns.
  • Cantilever: Only one tooth next to the missing tooth is needed to serve as a foundation and keep a cantilever dental bridge in place.
  • Maryland: Instead of relying on a dental crown to keep the bridge in place, a Maryland dental bridge uses a framework of porcelain or metal to keep the repair in position.

Get the Conservative Solution for Missing Teeth

Teeth preserve the musculature and shape of the teeth. Every single tooth in your mouth is important. If any of them are missing for too long, the jawbone underneath begins to weaken, remaining teeth will be unstable, and it could create a sunken-in look that ages you.

Want to know if a dental bridge or another restoration like dental implants is right for your missing tooth? Contact Smiles by the Sea to schedule an appointment with Dr. Harbpinder Shevchenko and her team in Hampton, NH.