Missing teeth affects more than your appearance. They can impact chewing, speech, the stability of surrounding teeth, and self-esteem. Dental bridges offer a proven, non-surgical solution to replace missing teeth and restore balance to your smile.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a dental restoration that anchors replacement teeth (most commonly made from porcelain or ceramic) to dental implants or crowns to “bridge gaps” created by tooth loss. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth (adjacent) to restore visual appeal, bite integrity, and self-esteem.
How Dental Bridges Replace Missing Teeth
A dental bridge fills the space left by one or more missing teeth using an artificial tooth anchored to neighboring teeth or crowns. This restores function while preventing nearby teeth from shifting out of position, which can lead to bite problems and other complications over time.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Bridge?
Bridges are most effective for patients with healthy adjacent teeth and gums. They are often chosen by patients who want a fixed solution without dental implants. Your dentist will assess your oral health, bite, and goals before recommending a bridge.
Long-Term Benefits of Dental Bridges in Durham, NC
Beyond aesthetics, bridges offer several significant benefits, including:
- Restoring chewing and speaking ability
- Maintaining facial shape
- Preventing surrounding teeth from drifting
- Improving smile appearance
- Distributing chewing forces evenly to reduce stress on remaining teeth
With strong at-home oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a bridge can last many years and feel stable and natural.
How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?
Dental bridges are a reliable solution for tooth loss. With dedicated maintenance and care, they can last well over a decade. On average, a dental bridge can last 10-15 years. However, with excellent at-home care and regular dental visits, some last 20 years or more!
Stable, Natural-Looking Tooth Replacement
If you’re in Clayton and would like to learn more about how a dental bridge can restore your smile to its pre-tooth-loss best, contact Drs. Kate Dolin and Adam Spriggs, and the caring, skilled team at The Smile Shop, to schedule a consultation.