Dental Bridges – The Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges

If you have an unsightly gap between your teeth because of a missing tooth, a dental bridge offers the ideal solution to filling the gap. Dental bridges are fake teeth that fixed using the real existing teeth on either side of the gap. A gap in between your teeth can make chewing food difficult; what’s more, the surrounding teeth tend to lean into the empty space, creating overbites and other dental issues. By using dental bridges, dentists can fill the gap left by your missing tooth, so you can continue chewing as before. No one can tell that you’re wearing bridges, as porcelain bridges look just like real teeth. Here are some professional pros and cons of dental bridges for you to study before you decide.

Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges

 Pros of Dental Bridges

• No Fuss: When compared to removable dentures, dental bridges are a no-fuss when it comes to cleaning. You don’t need to remove them; you just brush them the way you brush the rest of your teeth.

• Improve Adjacent Teeth: Dental bridges crown the teeth on either side of the gap; if the adjacent teeth are cracked, discoloured or have fillings, the bridges will give them stability and security. Dental bridges also ensure that adjacent teeth do not shift or lean into the gap between them.

• Natural Smile: Porcelain dental bridges look just like regular teeth; they don’t detract from your natural smile – rather, by improving the colour and health of adjacent teeth, they contribute to a natural smile.

• Quick Placement: Bridges can be firmly fixed into place within your second dental appointment, which is quick compared to the longer duration it takes for other complex solutions.

• Low Maintenance: High quality dental bridges can last a lifetime and require very little maintenance, if any at all. Regular porcelain bridges will need to be replaced every 10 years or so, but even then, the procedure is so simple that you’ll be delighted in how quickly it’s over.

• Natural Looking: Dental bridges have the same look and feel as your natural teeth. They function the same way as well. Other people will not know you have dental bridges on so you can smile confidently.

• Jawbone Protection: A missing tooth creates an open space which compromises your jawbone’s strength. The longer you leave the tooth missing, the more your jawbone deteriorates. Dental bridges not only stimulate and preserve natural growth, but also help prevent bone loss in the jaw bone.

• Simple Procedure: Unlike dental implants, dental bridges don’t need to be fixed via surgical process. It just takes a few minutes to set your bridge in place without surgery. The entire process doesn’t take more than a couple of hours, and there’s no resultant pain, discomfort or blood.

• Affordable: Dental bridges are more affordable than implants, as it is easier to make them and place them. Even though they cost less, dental bridges are quite strong and provide the necessary support for your mouth. They are made of very durable porcelain which is quite affordable and quick and easy to make.

Cons of Dental Bridges

• Filing of Healthy Teeth: There’s the need to crown the teeth adjacent to your missing tooth in order to hold the dental bridge in place. Crowning involves filing of the natural tooth and then placing the replacement cap on top of it. This could lead to considerable loss of enamel in the adjacent teeth just to be able to incorporate the dental implants.

• Possible Nerve Damage: In very rare cases, dental bridgework could potentially cause the death of underlying nerves, which might necessitate root canal treatment. This is not something that happens often, but it is a definite possibility and should be considered a major con with regard to dental bridges.

• Less Pleasing: Dental bridges don’t look as natural as dental implants, which are fake teeth that are surgically screwed into your jaw bone. Though they are placed discreetly, they don’t have the aesthetic final appearance of the very natural implants which actually take the place of missing teeth.

• Periodic Replacement: Dental bridges may need to be replaced periodically, at least once in every 5 to 7 years. You can keep them on till 10 years if need be, but they have to be replaced eventually to prevent wear and tear to the adjacent teeth.

Conclusion

You have a choice between dental implants and dental bridges. The choice depends on your unique situation. Consider your access to dental care and the current state of your oral health before deciding on dental implants or dental bridges. Make an early dental appointment and get your teeth thoroughly checked and obtain professional guidance as to what will suit your particular case the best before you decide.

Want to know If Dental Bridges are good option for you ? Call our Dental office in Livonia at (734) 522-5520 or Fill out our contact Form to schedule your free initial consultation.