When we are missing a tooth, it can impact all aspects of our lives, from the most basic actions like chewing our food to our performance at work and comfort in social environments. For many, a dental bridge is a great option to consider that can help maintain your dental health while also making you more confident and comfortable. A bridge fills a gap caused by a missing tooth, whether it is a tooth that was pulled or just a tooth you never had. The space is filled with a false tooth, called a pontic, which “bridges” the gap between your teeth and is attached to crowns on either side of the gap

Restoring your Smile and Confidence

Whether you’re missing a tooth from a childhood accident or a recent injury, you may find yourself embarrassed about how it affects your smile. Our smile is one of the first things people notice about us, and especially if a missing tooth is highly visible, it can have a regular impact on our day-to-day lives. A dental bridge is a relatively easy way to fill a gap in your teeth and restore your smile and your self-confidence at work and in your personal life.

Depending on the location of the missing tooth, the gap may also affect your speech. Since our teeth are an important part of forming various sounds, you may find yourself struggling to say some words or sounds. By restoring the shape of your mouth and teeth with a dental bridge, you will be able to speak more confidently and comfortably.

Maintaining the Shape and Strength of your Jaw and Teeth

If you are missing a tooth for a long period of time, it may affect the shape and strength of your jaw. This can impact your ability to do things like chew and eat certain foods, and in some cases can even affect the shape of your face. In addition, when you have a significant gap in your teeth, it may result in other teeth shifting too, which can be a painful process. A dental bridge literally bridges the gap in your teeth, forcing your other teeth to stay where they are and helping to stabilize your jaw in the process.

A Faster Route to a New Smile

Unlike implants, which may take months, dental bridges can usually be completed in two visits spread over as little as two weeks. If you need to replace a lost tooth very quickly, a dental bridge may be the best option for you. If the teeth surrounding the gap (called “abutment teeth”) are healthy and there is not a significant injury to that area of the jaw, you may be able to get fitted for a bridge right away. Once the dental bridge has been created, you will return to the dentist to have the crowns affixed to the abutment teeth, and you’ll be ready to go.

A Lower Cost Option

While many dental insurance plans cover dental implants, others still do not unless your dentist determines that a dental bridge is not an option for you. If you may be paying out of pocket, and you need to replace a single tooth, a dental bridge may be a more affordable option that will serve your needs just as well as a more expensive procedure.

Discuss Your Options with Your Dentist

There are a variety of decisions that will affect your decisions about a dental bridge, including time, cost, and the condition of your jaw and existing teeth. It’s important to speak to your dentist about the different kinds of bridges that are the best option for your teeth (as well as if a dental implant might be an alternative you wish to consider). 
Interested in learning more about dental bridges? Contact Orzechowski and Arndt today to schedule an appointment or ask any questions!