If you have a missing tooth or a few missing teeth, a number of cosmetic treatments may be viable solutions to restore your smile. One such treatment option is a bridge. Bridges are prosthetic teeth meant to fill gaps in the smile where teeth should be, and the bridge itself is usually anchored by crowns on either side. While bridges are a highly effective way to restore a smile, many patients do have concerns about the procedure. At our dental practice in Charleston, we want to make sure you are comfortable with any procedure we offer. Here are a few concerns our patients have mentioned and some guidance from the dentist.
Will dental bridges look fake after they are installed?
When you are working with a well-experienced dentist to get a bridge installed, the end result is going to be quite natural. The bridge is custom developed to fit the shape of your mouth, so the bridge is seated right on your gum line. Additionally, the materials used to bond the bridge to the supportive teeth will have a color that matches both the bridge and the natural teeth. Therefore, most people cannot see that they even have a bidge unless they examine the mouth very closely.
Is it true the bridge will move and shift when you chew or speak?
Once mounted in place, bridges are exceptionally stable unless something happens to dislodge the bonding agent used during the installation. Periodically, the bridge may have to be adjusted; the bonding materials can grow weak over the years.
Can bridges be mounted to implants instead of crown-supported?
Bridges are commonly mounted on implants instead of existing teeth. Essentially, all-on-4 implants are a series of four implants with a full fixed bridge to create a new smile. Therefore, even if you do not have any natural teeth available for attaching a bridge, a dentist may still feel you are a good candidate for implant-supported bridgework.
Find Out More About Dental Bridges in Charleston
One dental bridge can give you a full smile—one you can be proud to share. If you believe you would be a good candidate for a dental crown, reach out to us at the office of Dr. Michael J. Tupta to schedule an appointment.