Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) treatment option used to replace a missing tooth or teeth and is an alternative to dental implants or dentures. A dental bridge uses crowns connected together to literally ‘bridge’ the gap between two teeth. Crowns are placed on the teeth on either side of the space (“anchors”) as well as crowns used in between the anchors to fill in the space created by one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges are a popular treatment option to replace missing teeth because of their durability and natural-looking appearance.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO REPLACE MISSING TEETH?

At Family Roots Dentistry, we like to think of teeth like books on a bookshelf. If you remove a book and do not replace it, the other books will tip and shift around. Similarly, when a tooth is removed and not replaced, the remaining teeth can tip and shift around. When teeth shift out of their normal position, this puts you at an increased risk for gum disease and bone loss as well as cavities. Teeth shifting can also cause an imbalance with your jaw joints, leading to discomfort as well as premature ‘wear and tear’ on your remaining teeth (including chipping or breaking teeth).

WHAT ARE REASONS WHY A BRIDGE WOULD BE RECOMMENDED?

  • Replace the space from one or more missing teeth
  • Prevent surrounding teeth from drifting out of position
  • Restore chewing and speaking ability that can become impaired when a tooth is lost
  • Restore your smile
  • Maintain facial shape that can become compromised when a tooth is lost

For more information or to schedule your appointment, please call us at (815) 385-4411 or contact us here.