How a dental bridge can replace one or several teeth in the smile
While missing teeth can happen to anyone, the choice of replacement is entirely up to the patient. Some individuals are okay with a removable dental bridge, called a partial denture, that can be placed and replaced as needed. Others want a more permanent option. Dr. Erik G. Grothouse and his team in Indianapolis, Indiana, are committed to helping their patients achieve restored smiles after tooth loss. One popular choice for replacing the teeth is a dental bridge.
What are dental bridges?
Dr. Grothouse describes the dental bridge as an artificial tooth or teeth, known as a pontic, suspended between two dental crowns that are placed on the abutment teeth, or anchoring teeth. The purpose of the dental bridge is to fill the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Pontics and crowns are made with porcelain baked over a metal substructure, to closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth.
Why get a dental bridge?
While there are so many reasons why one would choose to get a dental bridge over other options like dentures or implants, here are three of the most common:
- To restore your smile and boost your confidence
- To improve your oral health
- To make eating easier
- To achieve an affordable replacement
- To maintain alignment of the dental arch
Who is a good candidate for having a dental bridge?
Bridges do require adjacent teeth to place them. However, there are times when patients could benefit from an implant-supported bridge. This is a dental bridge anchored to a dental implant on one or both sides, acting as a holder and stabilizer. Patients considering this option will need sufficient bone, which can be evaluated with dental x-ray images.
Are you interested in finding out more about dental bridges?
If you reside in the Indianapolis, IN area and want to speak to the Erik G. Grothouse, DDS team, about restoring your smile with bridges, call the office today at (317) 823-1780 and request an appointment at 7962 Oaklandon Road, Suite #105. Our team is open to helping new and returning patients and families with their oral healthcare needs.
Dental Bridges
A bridge is a non-surgical way to replace one or many teeth. A bridge uses the adjacent teeth as anchors to support the missing tooth or teeth. With today’s dental advancements, a bridge can be fabricated in a fairly short period of time, using a metal or nonmetal foundation. Don’t let that missing tooth affect the way you speak, eat, and smile. Bridges yield immediate results that last a lifetime. Ask your dentist what type of bridge may be right for you.
