A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It restores the function and appearance of your smile while protecting your oral health. Bridges are designed to blend well with your natural teeth. This makes them a comfortable and discreet choice.

A bridge is made up of one or more artificial teeth. Crowns or attachments to your natural teeth hold these artificial restorations in place. Dental bridges are made from different materials. They include porcelain, ceramic, composite, and metal alloys. Your dentist will guide you in choosing the right material depending on your budget and desired outlook.

Knowing when to get a dental bridge can save you from more complex and costly dental problems. If you have one or more missing teeth, consult a dentist. Your dentist will assess your oral health and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for a dental bridge.

Instances when you should consider a dental bridge include:

When You Have One or More Missing Teeth

You can lose your teeth due to decay, trauma, or extraction. Missing teeth can affect your smile and appearance. Additionally, they can change the way you chew or speak. A dental bridge can close the gap if you have one or more missing teeth in a row. The surrounding teeth can shift into the space when you lose a tooth.

These shifts can cause misalignment and bite difficulties. Over time, these changes may lead to jaw pain or additional tooth loss. A dental bridge fills the gap and stabilizes your bite by preventing movement. Many people feel self-conscious about smiling or speaking when they have visible gaps. Bridges help restore your confidence. A well-made bridge will blend with your natural teeth, which improves your appearance.

If you are missing a tooth, you should consult your dentist quickly. Delaying the replacement of the lost tooth could make it more difficult. Additionally, you could suffer long-term dental complications. Fitting bridges is more straightforward and more affordable when you act early.

When You Want to Avoid Bone Loss in the Jaw

Another instance when bridges are a good idea is when you want to avoid loss of the jawbone. When you lose a tooth, the bone in that area of your jaw starts to shrink. The shrinkage happens because the bone no longer receives stimulation from the tooth root. Over time, bone loss can cause changes in facial structure.

Common symptoms of a damaged jawbone include a sunken appearance around the mouth and a change in facial structure. Dental implants are the best option for preserving the jawbone. However, not everyone can get them. Some circumstances can disqualify you from getting bridges. They include certain medical conditions and insufficient bone density. Your dentist can recommend a dental bridge as an alternative for restoring your smile.

A bridge does not replace the tooth root like an implant. However, it helps maintain jaw stability indirectly. The bridge restores the ability to chew correctly, which keeps the surrounding teeth healthy. Healthy teeth next to the gap can continue to stimulate the bone. A bridge can make a significant difference if you want to prevent further oral health issues after losing a tooth.

When You Have Difficulty Chewing Your Food

Chewing becomes harder when you lose one or more teeth. When you are missing teeth, it becomes difficult to chew certain foods properly. In this case, you may need to avoid certain meals, which can affect your nutrition. A dental bridge restores the biting surface. It allows you to chew easily.

Avoiding certain foods can lead to poor digestion and even health problems. Therefore, restoring your chewing function offers more benefits than comfort. With a dental bridge, you can enjoy more food and receive the nutrients your body needs. The remaining teeth take on extra pressure when you chew, as you do not replace the missing one.

The pressure can cause the teeth to wear down faster. A bridge distributes chewing forces evenly, protecting your other teeth. Consider getting a bridge if you constantly chew on one side to avoid discomfort. Uneven chewing can strain your jaw muscles and lead to headaches or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.

When you have a Severely Damaged Tooth

Occasionally, a tooth is too damaged to repair with a filling or crown. Tooth damage can occur due to severe decay, fractures, or trauma. Under these circumstances, the dentist can recommend an extraction. Remaining with a missing tooth can cause serious complications to your oral health. Therefore, when the tooth is removed, you can replace it with a dental bridge.

Your dentist can extract the damaged tooth and prepare the surrounding teeth for a bridge using the same treatment plan. It ensures you do not go long without a replacement. You reduce the risk of bone loss, shifting teeth, and bite problems by choosing a bridge soon after extraction. Additionally, it also allows your mouth to adjust quickly to the restoration.

Consider a dental bridge if your dentist says a tooth is beyond saving. The approach helps maintain your oral health and the appearance of your smile.

When You Are Not a Candidate for Dental Implants

Missing teeth are best restored with dental implants. They are a fixed restoration that mimics the appearance and sensation of a natural tooth. However, not all patients with missing teeth are good candidates for implants. A dental implant fuses with the jawbone. Thus, it needs a healthy bone structure.

Some people do not have enough bone density to support an implant. Others have medical conditions that make the procedure risky. In these cases, a dental bridge is an excellent alternative. Bridges do not need surgery or bone grafting. This makes them a safer choice for people with specific health concerns.

A dentist places the bridge faster than implants. Therefore, you will spend less time without a complete smile. Furthermore, dental implants are costly, so you cannot get them on a low budget. Bridges are generally less expensive than implants. For this reason, they are a more accessible option for many patients. You can restore your smile and chewing ability with a bridge if you are not eligible for a dental implant.

When you have Speech Problems.

Missing teeth can cause speech difficulties. Certain sounds rely on the position of the teeth for correct pronunciation. Having gaps in your smile can make it harder to control airflow when speaking. Such problems could result in slurred speech or whistling sounds.

Speech difficulties can lead to embarrassment in social situations. Speech issues caused by missing teeth do not go away on their own. If you are in this predicament, you should consider a bridge. A dental bridge fills the gaps and provides the proper structure for tongue and lip movements.

If you notice a change in your speech after losing some teeth, you should seek immediate dental care. Waiting for too long can cause your mouth to adapt to the changes. This makes the condition more difficult to correct. Replacing the missing teeth with a bridge can help you maintain clear, confident speech.

When You Want to Prevent Teeth From Shifting

The surrounding teeth may not remain original when you lose a tooth through extraction, decay, or trauma. Instead, they shift into the space. Teeth shifting can lead to gaps, crowding, and misalignment. These changes can affect your bite. They make it harder to chew and even cause jaw discomfort.

Additionally, they can distort your smile, which could affect your self-confidence. A dental bridge fills the gap left by the missing tooth. It acts as a placeholder, preventing the neighboring teeth from moving. The need for further orthodontic treatment reduces when you have a stable dental alignment.

When the teeth shift, they occasionally make it harder to brush appropriately. Poor oral hygiene will result in the accumulation of bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. A bridge makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene. If you notice slight changes in tooth position after losing a tooth, you should seek immediate dental care.

When You Want a Less Invasive Tooth Replacement Option

You can opt for a dental bridge for a less invasive tooth replacement option. Dental implants are the most effective permanent tooth restoration. However, placing an implant is a surgical procedure. The surgery involves placing a titanium rod into the jawbone to act as a tooth root before attaching the artificial tooth.

A dental implant procedure takes a while, and you may need some time for the artificial root to integrate into the jawbone. Furthermore, there is an increased risk of complications with the procedure. Choosing a dental bridge can restore your missing tooth with a less invasive procedure. The method for a bridge involves the following steps:

  • Tooth preparation. At your first appointment, the dentist will prepare the teeth on each side of the gap. The dentist may shave off a small amount of enamel to ensure the crowns fit properly.

  • Taking Impressions. The dentist takes impressions of your teeth. They then send them to a dental lab where your custom bridge is made.

  • Placing a temporary bridge. Before the bridge is completed, the dentist will place a temporary bridge to protect your teeth and gums.

  • Fitting the bridge. The dentist will remove the temporary bridge and add the custom-made one at your second dental visit. The permanent bridge will be fitted by the dentist, who will make any necessary corrections.

  • Cementing the bridge. When the fit is correct and you are comfortable with the restoration, the dentist will cement the bridge permanently.

A dental bridge allows you to recover more quickly because surgery is unnecessary. Most people can eat and speak normally immediately after the bridge procedure. A bridge will restore your smile and keep your remaining teeth from shifting.

When you have Healthy Adjacent Teeth

Dental bridges are most suitable for people with healthy abutment teeth. These are the teeth adjacent to the gap. The presence of healthy abutment teeth provides for a solid foundation of the bridge. They also assist with the durability and function of the bridge.

The stress from chewing can lead to damage if your abutment teeth are weak. It can also shorten bridge lifespan. Your dentist will examine these teeth thoroughly before proceeding with the procedure. They take X-rays and do dental exams to verify the strength of the abutment teeth.

A dental bridge is unsuitable for you if tooth decay, damage, or gum disease affects the adjacent teeth. The dentist can recommend alternatives like:

  • Implant-supported bridges. These types of bridges use implants instead of natural teeth as anchors. The implant-supported bridges are also ideal when you have multiple missing teeth.

  • Dental implants. If you have one missing tooth, an oral surgeon will attach a titanium post to the jawbone to serve as the tooth root. Therefore, implants do not rely on the strength of the adjacent teeth.

  • Removable partial dentures. Dentures rest on the gums and do not need support from adjacent teeth. Often, they use small clasps on nearby teeth for stability. Removable partial dentures are less expensive than bridges and implants.

When You Want an Affordable Tooth Replacement Option

Replacing a missing tooth is an urgent matter. It helps you improve your appearance and protect your oral health from complications. Cost is a significant factor when deciding how to replace your missing tooth. If you are seeking an affordable option for a permanent tooth replacement, you should go with a bridge.

A traditional dental bridge costs between $1,500 and $5,000 in California. The cost includes an artificial tooth and the crowns that anchor it to the supporting teeth. The overall cost of a dental bridge may vary depending on the following factors:

  • The type of material

  • The number of teeth that need replacement

  • The complexity of the case

A single dental implant in California can cost between $3,000 and $6,500 per tooth. The cost includes the implant screw, the abutment, and the crown placed on top. You will pay more for the procedure if you need a bone graft or sinus lift before the implant.

With proper care, bridges can last 10 to 15 years before replacement. A bridge requires less time and fewer visits. On the other hand, dental implants involve surgery and months of healing, which can add to costs. A bridge is better for you if you need a quick, budget-friendly solution.

When You Want to Maintain Your Facial Shape

You should get a bridge to keep your facial shape after losing teeth. Missing teeth can change your facial appearance. Teeth give structure and support to your cheeks and lips. The skin around your mouth can sag without them, making you look older.

After tooth loss, the jawbone under it begins to shrink. Your cheeks may also lose their fullness, which causes wrinkles to form around the mouth. A dental bridge can restore the support needed to maintain your facial structure. It fills the gap left by missing teeth, which keeps your cheeks lifted and your lips in the correct position. The bridge also prevents the hollow, sunken look accompanying long-term tooth loss.

These changes to your facial appearance happen gradually after tooth loss. Therefore, you may not notice it until it has progressed. When the skin and bone shift, reversing the effects becomes more challenging.

The best way to maintain your natural facial structure is by replacing the missing teeth with a bridge immediately after losing them. You should speak to your dentist if you have noticed minor facial changes after losing a tooth. The dentist will assess your oral health and determine your eligibility for a bridge.

When You Want to Improve Your Smile and Boost Your Confidence

The effects of missing teeth are not only physical but also emotional. One or more missing teeth can distort your smile and appearance. These imperfections could make you self-conscious and lower your self-esteem. If you want to improve your smile, you should consider dental bridges. A dental bridge restores a natural-looking smile. A bridge can have a life-changing impact if you have avoided smiling or covering your mouth when you talk.

Find Expert Dental Care Near Me

Dental bridges are an excellent solution for restoring missing teeth. It improves your smile and prevents further oral health issues. You may benefit from a dental bridge if you have one or more missing teeth and seek a less invasive tooth replacement option. Unlike dental implants, the procedure for a placenta bridge is simple and requires less recovery time.

You can also opt for a bridge to protect your jawbone from damage or prevent tooth shifting. Bridges improve your speech, make chewing easier, and protect healthy teeth from damage. Dental bridges are anchored using the adjacent teeth. Therefore, you must have healthy teeth on both sides for the procedure to be successful.

The outcome of a dental procedure like a bridge can affect the appearance and function of your teeth. Therefore, you must consult an experienced dentist. At Beach Dental Care Anaheim, we offer our clients reliable and safe dental care. Contact us at 714-995-4000 from Anaheim, CA, to book your appointment.