If you suffer from one or more missing teeth, you already know the difficulties this dental condition poses when it comes to chewing food and speaking clearly. Many people with missing teeth are also uncomfortable with smiling, or cover their mouth when they speak. It can have a negative impact on your confidence, too. With dental bridges, however, you can regain the function and beauty of your smile.
The Benefits of a Dental Bridge
Along with improving the appearance of your teeth, a dental bridge can also help:
Maintain your facial shape — When you are missing teeth, it can alter the shape of your face. Your mouth loses shape as your lips flatten and become thin, and the facial muscles around your mouth and jaw begin to sag.
Support your natural teeth — The teeth adjacent to the missing tooth or teeth can begin to shift out of place and into the empty space. This can ultimately have a negative impact on your bite and place undue stress on your jaw.
How a Dental Bridge Works
A dental bridge uses the natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth to hold the replacement teeth in place. To start, the dentist will make an impression of your teeth and the space left by the missing tooth or teeth. This will be used to fabricate the replacements. In the meantime, you will be fitted with a temporary bridge until the permanent one is made. When it’s ready, the bridge holding the replacement will be permanently affixed to the natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth. The result is a strong, secure restoration that will give you back the function and beauty of your natural teeth.
At Dentistry by Angela Britt, we provide dental bridges for patients in Brunswick, GA and the surrounding area so they can regain confidence in their smile. Please call our office at 912-452-8221 for a consultation.
