A dental bridge can solve a multitude of oral issues all at once. How? Missing teeth diminish confidence and can decrease the functionality, structural integrity and health of your mouth. Gaps between teeth can make it difficult to speak, chew and eat, which can make you feel self-conscious. Dental bridges are a great way to restore the mouth’s chewing and speaking functionality as they replace one or more missing teeth with custom-fit artificial teeth and dental crowns. Find out what the benefits of dental bridges are and what to expect when getting one placed with this guide!

When Is a Dental Bridge Necessary?

Patients who are missing a tooth (or teeth) can benefit from a dental bridge in the following ways:

• maintaining the shape of your face
• re-adjusting your bite to properly distribute the force when you chew
• restoring your smile
• restoring the ability to properly chew
• restoring your speech and pronunciation
• preventing your remaining teeth from moving out of the correct position

So, just how are these changes and restorations brought to pass with a dental bridge? Read on!

How Dental Bridges Work

A dental bridge works great for patients who are missing teeth but don’t need dentures. As we mentioned, one missing tooth can cause the surrounding teeth to lose support and fall out. If you have several missing teeth in a row, we can provide custom-made prosthetic teeth to fill all of those gaps. We hook these teeth together, and provide a post at either end of this “dental bridge.” Those posts are then placed into a patient’s jaw where they will stay for many years. This provides structure and support to a smile that’s been damaged and weakened by several missing teeth.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

Patient oral care determines the success of a dental bridge. Plain and simple.   As you work with Dr. Bockrath to keep your remaining teeth strong and healthy, your bridge can stay in place and do its job.

Brushing twice a day, flossing and using a prescribed mouthwash can keep tooth decay away and its successor, gum disease, which leads to tooth loss and a whole multitude of other issues.

The team at Mountain Aire Dentistry can demonstrate the proper way to brush and floss your teeth for good oral health. Regular dental cleanings and dental checkups will keep you ahead of issues. Be proactive with your diet choices to ensure that your teeth are fortified with the nutrients they need to stay strong.

Call to Learn How a Dental Bridge Can Restore Your Smile

At Mountain Aire Dentistry, we care about the health and look of your smile. If you are suffering from one or missing teeth, contact us today at (303) 731-7755 to schedule a consultation to get your smile back. Dr. Bockrath and his staff use the best tools and technology to successfully place a new dental bridge and help you create the smile that you deserve. Call today to learn more about how a dental bridge can improve the look of your smile!