A dental bridge is a prosthetic consisting of artificial teeth that restore the form, function, and appearance of a person’s smile by standing in for missing teeth. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by “bridging the gap” created by tooth loss. A bridge’s artificial teeth, or “politics,” are typically supported by dental implants or dental crowns placed on the natural teeth adjacent to the gap, also known as “abutments.”
Dental bridges can be made from a variety of materials. Porcelain and ceramic tend to be the most popular, as they can be customized to match the color of surrounding teeth.
The Biggest Benefits of Dental Bridges
We’ve sorted through the myriad benefits of dental bridges and selected a few of the most significant:
- They prevent other teeth from shifting. After tooth loss, neighboring teeth can shift into the vacated space. A dental bridge prevents this shifting.
- They improve the ability to bite, chew, and speak. Tooth loss impairs a person’s ability to bite, chew, and chat confidently and comfortably. A dental bridge restores the feeling of having a mouth full of strong, properly aligned teeth. This allows for adequately chewing food, which helps the digestive system to extract nutrients better and provides vital confidence to speak clearly and without discomfort.
- Enhanced facial structure and shape. Teeth help a person’s face maintain its standard shape. A dental bridge helps to maintain a normal, younger-looking facial shape.
- Longevity. If fitted and cared for properly, a dental bridge can last several years without re-treatment.
Precisely Placing Dental Bridges in Aurora, IL
If you’re in the Aurora area, are considering long-term tooth replacement options, and would like to know whether a dental bridge is right for you, contact dentist Dr. Christine Wang and the team at Prairie Dental Care to schedule a consultation!