From the term itself, dental bridges literally bridge the gap between one or more missing teeth. A bridge can be anchored either by natural teeth if they’re strong and healthy, or by dental implants. These supporting teeth on either side are called abutment teeth, while the false teeth filling each gap are called pontics.

Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges

Pros:

• Bridges don’t require surgery, so the procedure is simple, non-invasive, and relatively painless.
• You can easily and quickly get dental bridges to remedy those unsightly gaps that make you conscious about your smile.
• They are more affordable than dental implants.
• Despite being a non-invasive and fairly simple procedure, you can expect dental bridges to be sturdy, robust, and durable.
• With your dentist’s expertise, your lost teeth can be replaced with natural-looking teeth that can also feel like your natural teeth as you speak and eat.

Cons:

• While your dentist can create beautiful pontics that look like the real thing, they may not appear as seamless as implants.
• You need to clean as per normal. You can still get decay like any other tooth.
• Adjacent teeth. If your anchoring teeth are also damaged, they will also need to be treated, which may require removal of considerable amount of the teeth’s structure, making it potentially weaker.
• Special brush. Cleaning your bridges may require that you get yourself a specialized floss and brush.

The Verdict

All things considered, at the end of the day, your dentist will recommend a dental bridge if it is the best treatment option for your condition.

To find out the right treatment to restore your missing teeth, schedule a consultation with your local Caloundra dentist today.

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