Understanding Fixed Dental Bridges

Veneers can improve the look of damaged teeth, but what about missing teeth? Your dentist may recommend using a fixed dental bridge to replace one or more of your missing teeth. Unlike removable dentures, fixed dental bridges are permanently anchored in your jawbone using dental implants. After discussing dental bridges and dental implants with your dentist, read this information about their benefits, treatment process, and success rates.

Benefits of Fixed Dental Bridges

Dental bridges have both cosmetic benefits, like veneers, and dental health benefits. Dental bridges improve the appearance of your smile and make it easier to talk and eat. Replacing missing teeth with a fixed dental bridge can also prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of alignment to fill the gaps created by missing teeth. This misalignment can result in crooked teeth and dental malocclusion. Because fixed dental bridges are anchored in the jawbone by dental implants, they also prevent deterioration of the jawbone. Jawbone deterioration occurs when the bone is no longer needed to support a tooth, and can cause facial and jaw deformities.

How Dental Bridges Are Placed

A fixed dental bridge consists of dental crowns and dental implants. A dental implant is made from a titanium post, an abutment, and a prosthetic tooth. The titanium post is implanted into your jawbone at the site of the missing tooth. The jawbone grows and heals around the post, creating a solid anchor. A metal abutment is then attached to the post, and your prosthetic tooth is attached to the abutment. The dental crowns are custom created to fit over your natural teeth on either side of your missing teeth, forming a bridge between your natural teeth and your dental implant.

Success Rates of Fixed Dental Bridges

Fixed dental bridges are an incredibly successful method of replacing a missing tooth or missing teeth. Your dental bridge can last as long as 15 years if you maintain proper dental care. You will need to care for your dental bridge as you care for your natural teeth, by brushing and flossing daily. You will also have to visit your dentist every six months for professional dental cleanings and dental exams.