Q & A About Dental Bridges For People That Don't Prefer Dentures
Posted on: 7 October 2015
People who have one or more missing teeth may not like the idea of dentures because of the problems associated with them. Dentures can impair your ability to speak properly or eat comfortably because of their ability to slip out of place. Many denture wearers compensate for the movement of their denture by holding the appliance in place with their tongue as they speak, but this practice is uncomfortable and can slur speech. In addition, dentures that slip can prevent you from enjoying favorite foods or eating with confidence in social settings.
If you would like to replace your missing teeth but are uncomfortable with dentures, your dentist may suggest a dental bridge. Here are a few questions and answers about dental bridges:
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a dental appliance that typically consists of two crowns attached to a prosthetic tooth or teeth. The dental crowns border the fake tooth or teeth and are placed over existing teeth to stabilize the appliance. Thus, there is no need to try to hold it in place when you are chewing or speaking.
What if I am missing a molar so there is no tooth on which a bridge crown can rest?
Dental Implants
If the space left by your missing tooth or teeth is not bordered by remaining teeth, your dentist may suggest a dental implant on which the bridge crown can be placed.
A dental implant is a screw that is inserted into your jawbone to replace the root of a tooth. Once the screw fuses with the jawbone through a process known as osseointegration, an abutment and a dental crown can be placed. The abutment simply connects the implant screw to the crown.
The placement of your bridge may be delayed if you require a dental implant because the fusion of the implant screw to your jawbone takes time.
Cantilever Bridges
A dentist may also recommend a cantilever bridge if there is no tooth bordering one side of the space from your missing teeth. However, since a cantilever bridge can place a great deal of pressure on the available bordering tooth, it is not usually recommended for back teeth.
If you would like to have a dental bridge placed instead of dentures, contact a dentist in your area. He or she will be able to assess your mouth and determine if a dental bridge is a feasible option for you.
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