Dental Bridges in Scottsdale, AZ
Tooth loss is a common dental condition that increases with older age. The primary reasons people lose teeth include tooth decay, root surface recession, and periodontal disease with bone loss. If you experience tooth loss, dentists recommend that you replace those teeth as soon as possible. Missing teeth not only undermine the appearance of your smile but can compromise your gums, jaw, and remaining teeth and thus lead to a wide range of oral health complications. Among the more popular tooth replacement options performed by Dr. Jeffrey D. Clark at Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentistry Excellence is the dental bridge.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges — which are also known as fixed partial dentures — are a popular option to replace missing teeth because they are effective, long-lasting, and affordable. A bridge fills the gap and looks like a natural tooth but also ensures that the remaining healthy teeth do not shift out of position. Other benefits associated with dental bridges include correcting and maintaining the chewing function, speech articulation, and prevention of malocclusion — also known as a misaligned bite. A bridge also provides the internal structure for the face, and without that support, a face can sag and look older and less attractive.
How Does a Dental Bridge Replace Missing Teeth?
The most common type of dental bridge is the fixed bridge. These bridges comprise one or more pontics — artificial teeth — and are not removable except to repair or replace. Pontics are made from a number of different materials, including ceramic and porcelain. These materials allow the pontic to have the color, size, and shape needed to mimic the lost tooth. A bridge also features a dental crown at each end. The crowns anchor the bridge to the natural teeth and are referred to as abutment teeth because they receive the pressure created by the bridge. Dental bonding is used to ensure lasting adhesion.
What Are the Advantages of a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is an effective way to replace missing teeth because of the benefits it provides:
- Smile Restoration. A missing tooth can undermine an otherwise beautiful smile and detract from your overall appearance. A dental bridge will help maintain your smile and bolster your self-esteem.
- Natural Chewing. A missing tooth can change how you chew, make chewing more difficult, and make certain foods impossible to eat. A bridge restores natural chewing without any discomfort.
- Natural speech. Losing just a single tooth can actually change the way you sound when you talk and even result in impediments like a lisp. A bridge will restore natural speaking abilities.
- Prevent Shifting Teeth. Missing teeth leave behind gaps that allow adjacent teeth to drift and cause misalignment. A bridge not only prevents that shifting but helps maintain the facial structure.
Restore Your Smile
If you are missing one or more teeth, Jeffrey D. Clark, DDS, strongly recommends that you replace them as soon as possible. Dr. Clark is a leading cosmetic dentist in Scottsdale who has helped many patients replace their missing teeth and restore their quality of life, and dental bridges are one of the techniques at his disposal. If you would like to consider a bridge or another tooth restoration option, you can schedule a consultation at Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentistry Excellence. Make your appointment today by calling us at 480 585 1853.
