Tooth loss can significantly impact your daily quality of life in several ways, especially if you’ve lost more than one. Gaps in your grin can contribute to changes in your ability to enunciate words, thoroughly chew food, and smile without feeling self-conscious.
Thankfully, your dentist can rebuild your arch with a dental bridge or partial dentures, but how do you know which treatment is best for you? Continue reading to learn more about the options to make an informed decision!
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is an oral appliance that contains the correct number of pontics (artificial teeth) to replace one to four missing teeth in a row. These restorations include a dental crown at each end that will anchor over healthy abutment teeth or specially placed dental implants and cannot be removed without your dentist’s assistance, making them a ‘permanent’ part of your grin.
Bridges are usually made from durable porcelain that can be made to match your natural shade for seamless results. Plus, the resilient material can last 5 to 15 or more years if it’s cared for correctly. Fortunately, keeping your new teeth clean is as easy as brushing their surfaces and flossing beneath them twice daily to prevent common dental concerns, like cavities and gum disease.
What Are Partial Dentures?
If the spaces in your smile are more sporadically placed, you might do better with partial dentures. These prosthetics typically have ceramic pontics set into a gum-colored acrylic base that’s carved and customized to look just like your natural teeth and gums. However, instead of being bonded into place like dental bridges, these restorations contain metal clips that grasp your teeth to remain in place throughout the day.
These teeth are removable, so to keep them clean, you should take them out to brush all their surfaces twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear dish soap. Then, rinse them before reinserting them to continue your day, or leave them in a glass of water to retain their shape while killing unwanted germs overnight while you sleep.
Which Treatment is Right for Me?
Consulting your dentist directly is the simplest and most effective way to determine which treatment would best meet your needs. Before proceeding, they’ll schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and concerns. They’ll also examine your mouth and recommend an appropriate solution based on their findings.
Whether you opt for a dental bridge or partial dentures, you’ll soon have a beautifully restored smile you can’t wait to show off!
About the Practice
At Klein Family Dentistry, people of all ages benefit from two dentists who collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services at one convenient location. Dr. Klein and Dr. Miller can help with everything from basic preventive care to more complicated treatments, like replacing missing teeth. They take the time to get to know you, then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to provide treatments tailored to your unique needs. If you’re frustrated by gaps in your grin, you can request a consultation on the website or by calling (717) 652-6644.