There are a few different options for replacing missing teeth. One option is traditional dental bridges. A dental bridge replaces one or more teeth missing between teeth. Whether you have missing teeth in the front or back of your mouth, your oral health is being affected.

Your smile leaves a lot to be desired when anterior teeth are missing. If molars or bicuspids are missing, you do not have adequate chewing surface. The fewer teeth you have, the greater the impact on your health.

Dental bridges can restore your smile if you have teeth missing in the front. If you have back teeth missing, dental bridges provide the missing chewing surface you need to get the most out of your food.

Missing teeth can create a sunken look around your cheeks or lips. Your teeth help give definition to your facial features and when they are missing, lips look collapsed and cheeks can give you an emaciated look. When missing teeth are restored, those areas are supported again, improving your appearance, making you look younger and healthier.

In addition to improving your appearance, when you have molars or bicuspids missing, replacing them can help your digestive system. The restored chewing surface allows you to break down your food into smaller bits, which aid in digestion. The smaller pieces of food allow the body to absorb more nutrients than the larger chunks swallowed when teeth are missing.

Advantages of the Dental Bridge

Partial dentures also replace missing teeth, but the disadvantage is that food can become trapped between the partial and your gums. This can be irritating at best and is usually painful. The dental bridge is a permanently fixed appliance that does not move. It will not become dislodged when you eat or speak.

The dental bridge provides stability for the teeth on either side of the gap caused by the missing teeth. This is important because it prevents teeth from shifting out of alignment. If the space were to remain, the adjacent teeth would eventually move out of place. This could create food traps between your remaining teeth that may increase your risk of gum disease and dental decay.

Missing teeth should be replaced promptly whenever possible. Contact Avalon Dental Group to schedule a consultation, and learn your options for replacing your missing teeth.