Nearly 180 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, usually due to decay, disease, or trauma. While it might not sound like a big deal, even one missing tooth can alter your bite balance and lead to additional tooth loss, not to mention the toll it can take on your self-confidence.
There was a time when dentures were the only solution for missing teeth. While there’s nothing wrong with dentures, today many people prefer fixed bridges or dental implants for their comfort, function, and durability.
Daniel Park, DDS, offers both fixed bridges and dental implants for patients at Beaumont Cherry Valley Dental, helping men and women replace missing teeth, restore their smiles, and prevent more serious complications. If you’re not sure which option makes sense for you, here’s what you need to know.
Designed to literally bridge the gap between one or more missing teeth, a dental bridge uses a durable framework that supports one or more artificial teeth, called pontics. The pontics are shaped and tinted to blend in with your neighboring teeth and restore your smile and your bite function.
Bridges attach to the teeth on either side of the gap. Those teeth are protected by crowns to prevent damage when you bite and chew with your bridge.
While a removable bridge uses special clips that allow you to take the bridge out when needed, a fixed bridge is attached to the neighboring teeth using a strong adhesive. Fixed bridges can only be removed by your dentist.
Unlike dental implants, fixed bridges don’t require surgery. They’re also a more economical choice than an implant. However, as durable as they are, bridges aren’t designed to last forever, and most need to be replaced within 10-20 years or so.
Dental implants are also used to replace one or more artificial teeth. While a bridge rests on top of your gums and attaches to neighboring teeth, a dental implant uses a special post that’s embedded in your jaw bone.
Dental implants typically require two or more visits. During the first visit, the implant is embedded in your jaw bone, then allowed to fuse for 2-6 months before the artificial tooth is attached to it. If your jaw bone is unusually thin, you may need a bone graft to provide adequate support.
Once in place, dental implants look, feel, and “work” just like a natural tooth. They’re also easy to care for with regular brushing, flossing, and twice-yearly checkups, just like your natural teeth. Plus, the implant post may help promote normal jaw bone replacement, preventing additional tooth loss in the future.
While you can have multiple dental implants, most people use them to replace single teeth. With proper care, your implants can last you for the rest of your life.
Both fixed bridges and dental implants offer comfortable, durable options for replacing missing teeth and restoring both your bite function and your smile. Dr. Park can help you choose the better option based on your oral health, your preferences, your lifestyle, and other factors.
To learn more about fixed bridges, implants, and other restorations, call the office to request an appointment with Dr. Park and the team at Beaumont Cherry Valley Dental in Beaumont, California, today.
