Benefits of Dental Bridge Restorations

Tooth loss is an all-too-common problem among adults, particularly as they age. But losing a tooth, or teeth, doesn’t have to spell the end of your radiant smile. Thanks to restorative dentistry, you’ve got plenty of solutions to get that pearly-white charm back.

One long-time favorite solution is the classic dental bridge. Just as the name suggests, dental bridges literally bridge the gap left by one or more missing teeth. Bridges consist of two or more crowns for the teeth flanking the gap—these anchor teeth are known as abutment teeth—and a false tooth or teeth called pontics, that bridges the gap caused by the missing tooth or teeth.

It’s time to get excited about the ability to reclaim your smile after tooth loss. Keep reading as we dive into five ways dental bridges can significantly enhance your smile and lifestyle.

1. Fillings Gaps Left From Tooth Loss

The primary function of dental bridges is to fill the gaps left by missing teeth, but filling these gaps is about more than simple aesthetics.

When missing teeth are not replaced, it can lead to a number of oral health issues. The remaining teeth may shift or rotate into the empty spaces, resulting in a misaligned bite. Moreover, the imbalance caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum disease, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and other dental health problems. Dental bridges help you avoid these issues, so you can restore not just your smile, but also your overall oral health.

2. Improves Smile Aesthetics

Dental bridges not only restore your smile in terms of function but also in terms of aesthetics. The true beauty of modern dental bridges lies in their natural appearance. They are meticulously crafted to mirror the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth, resulting in a seamless match that’s virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

The prosthetic teeth (pontics) are more than just placeholders; they’re a testament to the extraordinary lengths that dentists and dental labs go to ensure the perfect harmony in your mouth. From the specific shade of white to the precise contours of each tooth, every aspect is carefully considered. Once your dental bridge is in place, you’ll also be sporting a beautiful, radiant smile that looks completely natural.

3. Restores Functionality

Imagine savoring your favorite steak or confidently delivering a presentation without worrying about missing teeth hindering you. Dental bridges not only bring back the joy of a full smile, but they also restore the fundamental functions of your teeth. When you lose a tooth, it’s more than an aesthetic issue—it impacts your ability to chew food properly and can even affect your speech.

Now, picture a dental bridge in place of the gap. With a bridge, your bite force is distributed evenly once again, making it easier to enjoy a variety of foods without discomfort or struggle.  While certain types of bridges still require you to exercise caution when faced with hard or sticky foods, the range of things you can eat increases with the help of a dental bridge. 

Don’t forget that our teeth also play a significant role in our speech. Certain sounds rely on the tongue striking the right teeth at the right time. So, missing teeth can lead to slurred or muffled speech. Dental bridges help rectify this, allowing you to speak confidently and clearly again.

4. Supports Facial Structure

Losing teeth can dramatically alter your facial aesthetics. Imagine a house with missing support beams; over time, it may sag or lean, showing signs of premature aging. Similarly, when you lose a tooth, it not only leaves a void in your smile but also in the support structure of your face. This gap can lead to facial sagging, where the cheeks sink inwards due to lack of support, creating an older and more drawn appearance.

Dental bridges counteract this by spanning the gap and restoring the natural support your cheeks rely on for a full, more youthful appearance.

5. Boosts Self-Confidence

Having a radiant, gapless smile is one of the most powerful confidence boosters! Living with missing teeth often leads to self-consciousness that can make you reluctant to speak, laugh, and express all of your joyful emotions uninhibited. Dental bridges emerge as a knight in shining armor in such scenarios, filling in those unsightly gaps and giving you back your worry-free smile.

With a dental bridge, you’ll no longer hesitate to laugh heartily at a joke or engage in a lively conversation. This newfound self-assurance can also have a profound ripple effect, enhancing your personal relationships and even improving your performance at work.

The best part? This boost in self-confidence isn’t fleeting. Dental bridges are designed to last. With proper care, you can expect them to serve you for 10 years or more! That’s a decade or more of beaming smiles, confident conversations, and the freedom to enjoy your favorite foods. 

Dental Bridges and More at Sheppard Family Dental Care

At Sheppard Family Dental Care, we believe in providing comprehensive, top-tier dental solutions that cater to the entire family. From the tiniest tot to the eldest grandparent, our friendly and highly skilled staff is committed to ensuring that every patient feels at home.

And dental bridges? They’re just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how we can revolutionize your smile and self-confidence. Imagine a place where cutting-edge technology meets a genuine passion for patient care, ensuring effective treatments like dental bridges and dental implants that not only enhance your smile but also add to your quality of life. That’s what we offer at Sheppard Family Dental Care.