Replace Missing Teeth with a Dental Bridge
Missing teeth are a problem for the appearance of your smile and the stability of the rest of your teeth. A dental bridge is a natural-looking, reliable way to fill the holes in your smile and strengthen your oral health. Arlington dentist Dr. Alana Macalik specializes in replacing missing teeth to give you a smile that is beautiful and complete.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge eliminates the hole left by a missing tooth or teeth. This reestablished connection between two teeth is usually secured on both sides using hidden metal clasps and anchored with porcelain crowns that are bonded permanently in place.
The prosthetic – also known as a pontic – is secured in the middle of the bridge, substituting for the teeth that were lost. A dental bridge is usually made from porcelain fused to ceramic or porcelain fused to metal for the greatest strength and durability.
This entire dental restoration is customized in size, shape, and color so it blends in with your existing teeth, strengthens your smile, and allows your teeth to function normally again. Dr. Macalik will adjust your bridge until it fits precisely and comfortably.
The Necessity of a Dental Bridge
When you have missing teeth, eating and speaking will be difficult and you’ll be self-conscious about smiling and revealing that part of your smile. While your appearance is certainly compromised by missing teeth, the stability of your smile is of the greatest concern.
Holes in your smile caused by teeth that were lost or knocked out has a major impact on your oral health. The teeth that neighbor the open area may begin to shift to fill the hole, disturbing the alignment of your teeth. This also impacts the way your smile looks and, over time, can affect the shape of your face, giving you that telltale sunken look that is the sign of missing teeth because of a poorly stimulated jawbone.
A dental bridge is subtle, unnoticeable, and effective. With proper care – daily brushing and flossing and seeing your Arlington dentist regularly – a bridge can last for decades. The restoration is securely bonded in place for reliability.
Is a Dental Bridge the Right Solution for Your Smile?
There are many variables that affect whether you are a good candidate for a dental bridge. Your oral health must be in good condition for you to qualify for a dental bridge. If the reason you are missing teeth is because of gum disease, this problem must be addressed first before you can undergo dental restorations of any sort.
Also relevant is the strength of your overall oral health, your budget, and your willingness to undergo a dental procedure. Dental implants are often the first choice of patients with missing teeth because the implants are permanent and secure. A dental bridge offers the same level of security without an invasive procedure.
You may only be a candidate for one type of restoration or you may qualify for multiple types of tooth restorations, which means you will have a decision to make. Dr. Macalik will review all possible options for replacing your missing teeth until you settle on the best personal solution.
A dental bridge is a secure solution for missing teeth that fits within most budgets. Contact our office in Arlington, Texas to schedule an appointment with Dr. Macalik to discuss dental bridges and all possible dental restorations to replace your missing teeth.