Even a single missing tooth can lead to issues for your smile. Missing teeth make it harder for you to perform basic oral functions and can eventually lead to damage of your remaining teeth. Instead of compensating for an incomplete smile, call Two Rivers Dentistry at 360-256-1202. Our dentist, Dr. Vaughn Teuscher, can fill in that space in your smile with a dental bridge in Vancouver, Washington.
When there is one or more missing teeth with fairly good anchor teeth on either side, then a bridge is one option to replace the missing tooth or teeth. I am pretty conservative, and if there is a virgin tooth without a filling, then I will sometimes recommend an implant simply because I don’t like to remove healthy enamel. A bridge can also be a good option when there is not enough healthy bone to place a dental implant. I also love cantilever bridges when the anchor tooth is a strong molar, as we can replace an adjacent bicuspid or a strong canine replacing a lateral incisor without drilling on the third tooth. Floss threaders are not needed to floss under the bridge, and it is easier to clean.
Patients love bridges because the cost is typically less than an implant. The disadvantage is that it is a 3-tooth solution to a one-tooth problem. When something goes wrong with either of the anchor teeth, you lose the whole bridge or have to cut it in half, leaving the remaining good tooth. The longevity of the bridge is not as good as an implant. In short, if the implant is not an option due to cost or lack of bone or whatever reason, then a bridge may be the solution to the missing tooth or teeth when the person wants something fixed in the mouth and not removable. We love using our lab-fabricated LAVA plus Zirconia for our bridges, as there is almost never any chipping or breakage (see information under crowns), and it is strong and durable for many years of service.
Dental bridges are reliable restorations that use the strength of your remaining teeth to help fill in gaps in your smile. A single tooth or several teeth in a row can be replaced with a bridge, restoring your ability to eat, speak and smile with confidence. Bridges are anchored by dental crowns on either side of the gap in your smile, making sure the bridge does not come loose. Bridges can also be anchored with one or more dental implants.
Dental bridges have many benefits, including:
- Keeping the rest of your teeth in position
- Strengthening your ability to eat and speak
- Simplicity of treatment
- Ability to replace a partial denture with a permanent restoration
When you receive a dental bridge, we will typically take two appointments to make sure your restoration fits perfectly. During the first, we will prepare the adjacent teeth to receive the bridge and take measurements to create it. Once it is complete, you will come back, and our dentist and team will fit it and bond the bridge into place.
If you would like to learn more, contact our office today!