What are the benefits of a dental bridge?

If you are missing one or more teeth, you are most likely weighing your options for different types of tooth replacements. In this blog, our Taber dentists compare the pros and cons of dental implants, bridges, and dentures, all of which can be effective options for replacing your missing teeth.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are fixed dental appliances that bridge the gap of missing teeth. They can be an option for replacing a single missing tooth or several missing teeth in a row. Typically bridges are made from two dental crowns (one on each of the teeth on either side of the gap), and the false tooth (or teeth) that bridge the space in between.

Knowing Which Type of Replacement to Use

There are different pros and cons to each form of tooth replacement and dental restoration. Your dentist will recommend the best possible tooth replacement options for you based on various factors, such as your budget, lifestyle, and needs.

Dental Bridges or Dental Implants?

Dental implants and bridges are both long-term tooth replacement solutions. The most important difference between them is that dental bridges generally have to be replaced after 5 to 15 years, where dental implants have the potential to last a fair bit longer than that.

However, the procedure for replacing bridges is much less invasive than the procedure for placing dental implants (which is a surgery), and the recovery time required is also a fair bit shorter. In most situations, dental implants cost more than bridges and your insurance is less likely to cover them.

Dental Bridges or Dentures?

The main difference between dental bridges and dentures is that dentures are removable, while bridges are fixed to the surrounding teeth.

Most of the time, a dental bridge will be recommended when there are only a few missing teeth to replace, or when the missing teeth are only on one side of the mouth.

Dental bridges tend to be a little more costly than partial dentures, but both tooth replacement options are covered by most dental insurance plans.

Why Missing Teeth Have to be Replaced

A variety of dental health problems can arise when missing teeth are not replaced. It can make chewing and speaking difficult, and over time, the teeth around the gap can shift out of position, worsening the problem. In addition, the jaw structure around the missing teeth may start to deteriorate, causing facial collapse.

Bridges, implants and dentures are all different solutions that can all help you avoid these issues. They all fill the space left by missing teeth, prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting, and help preserve your ability to chew and speak.