If you’re missing one or more teeth, it’s important to get a tooth replacement of some kind. Leaving a gap in your smile is not only an aesthetic issue; it can also cause the adjacent teeth to fall inward toward the space, leading to alignment problems. Issues like TMJ disorder (pain and stiffness in the jaw joint) may even result from the misalignment.
In order to replace the missing tooth or teeth, and restore the function and aesthetic of your smile, you have a few different options. Among these options is a dental bridge. There are both fixed dental bridges and removable ones. What are the differences? How can you know which one is right for you?
Fixed bridge
A fixed bridge is an artificial tooth that is permanently anchored into the mouth. The artificial tooth is known as a pontic, and is crafted of porcelain to look as lifelike as possible. It’s held in place using crowns placed on the teeth on either side. This makes a fixed dental bridge very secure. A fixed bridge may be used to replace one missing tooth, or a group of multiple missing teeth, as long as there are healthy teeth on either end of the gap to support the crowns.
A fixed dental bridge doesn’t require as much maintenance as a removable bridge. It’s brushed and flossed just like your natural teeth; it’s necessary to floss under the artificial tooth in order to keep the area clean, which may be a bit tricky for some people. A fixed bridge also requires alteration of the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, in order to place the crowns that support it. The placement of a crown requires the removal of some tooth structure.
Removable bridge
A removable bridge is also known as a partial denture. This is held onto the teeth on either side of the gap, either using metal clasps or using a more aesthetic option.
In general, a removable bridge is the most economical option for tooth replacement, particularly if metal clasps are used. If cost is the major concern, then a removable bridge will cost less than other options for tooth replacement, at least upfront. However, it’s important to consider the long-term cost of any dental appliance. Removable bridges are not as durable as other options; because they’re more likely to break and require repair or replacement, the cost over the long term may not be less, and may even be more than for other options.
Removable bridges must be removed for cleaning regularly. Some people may consider this an advantage, as they don’t have to navigate learning how to floss under a pontic, while others consider it a hassle. Because they aren’t permanently affixed into place, removable bridges also tend to be less secure than fixed bridges. Depending on how they’re secured and their location in the mouth, removable bridges also tend to be less natural-looking than fixed ones.
Dental bridge Shreveport
A dental bridge is not the only, or even the best, option for replacing missing teeth in all cases. Dental implants have a number of advantages; because they’re implanted directly into the jaw bone, they are more secure and even help to preserve the bone tissue of the jaw. If you’re considering your tooth replacement options, your next step is a consultation with a restorative dentist, who can help you to make your decision about which tooth restoration option is right for you.
If you need to get a dental bridge Shreveport, Stonewall, Keithville, Minden or the surrounding area, we invite you to contact our office to make an appointment with Cormier Family Dentistry. With nearly two decades of experience each, both of our dentists are extremely well-qualified to advise you on your various options and the pros and cons of each.