Are Dental Implants Better Than Bridges?

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If you have a missing tooth, your dentist will likely suggest a replacement to take its place. A missing tooth can cause a variety of problems including difficulty chewing and difficulty pronouncing words. A missing tooth can also have a bigger impact on your dental health, by allowing other teeth in the mouth to move out of place.

Your dentist may recommend a dental bridge or a dental implant to fill the hole, depending on factors like your dental health and even your budget. Both types of prosthetic teeth can fill the space where your old tooth was, but each option is very different in its installation. It’s important to understand the difference. Yourdentist in Grand Island, NE can help you decide which one is the best option for your smile.

What Is A Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth that’s surgically inserted into the jaw. Implants are installed over the course of several dental visits. In fact, it can take up to a year to have the final implant in your mouth.

First, the dentist will install a post. Then, the dentist will install the abutment. Finally, the dentist will put a crown on top. If your jaw lacks sufficient density or volume, you may even need bone grafting before this procedure can be conducted. Your jaw will need to heal between each step.

Once the implant is in place, it’s a permanent replacement for your missing tooth. Dental implants look like and function very much like real teeth.

What Is A Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that’s placed between two healthy teeth. The bridge relies on a crown that is placed over each adjacent tooth to keep the artificial tooth in place.

In order to install the bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap must be ground down a little to make space for the crowns. Bridges are installed over fewer trips to the dentist, but they rely on the healthy teeth on either side of the bridge to stay in place.

Is One Better Than The Other?

Whether to get a dental implant or adental bridge in Grand Island, NE is up to you and your dentist. Work with your dentist at Gentle Dental Care to decide which one is best for you. Your dentist can help you make the decision, so call today to make an appointment.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Dental Bridge? How to Tell and What to Know

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If you’re missing a tooth, a dental bridge can help fill the gap. This is important because gaps in the mouth can cause teeth to shift over time, and that can lead to problems like tooth misalignment. Missing teeth can also impact the way you talk and chew and may even make you feel self-conscious when you smile.

As your dentist in Grand Island, NE, we’re committed to helping you maintain good dental health. At Gentle Dental Care, we offer a range of services to patients who are missing their permanent teeth, including dental bridges. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a type of prosthetic tooth that is held in place by two attached crowns that fit over the adjacent teeth. Once in place, the dental bridge looks natural and can’t be identified as a prosthetic tooth. Your dentist will even match the color of the bridge to the other teeth in your mouth so the bridge will appear to be totally natural.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Dental Bridge?

You’re a good candidate for a dental bridge if you have good dental health and healthy teeth to attach to the dental bridge. Your dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth to determine whether you are a good candidate. If you do not have good, strong teeth to attach the bridge to, then your dentist may recommend an implant instead.

How Is a Dental Bridge Different from an Implant?

An implant is a prosthetic tooth that is installed with (and fused to) the gums. A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth that is held in place when it is attached to the neighboring teeth.

Think You Need a Dental Bridge? Call Your Dentist Today

If you think you’re a good candidate for a dental bridge in Grand Island, NE, contact your dentist at Gentle Dental Care to learn more. A missing tooth can be a problem and is worth repairing. Our team of experts can help you find the best way to fill the gap and restore your smile.

The Four Most Commonly Used Dental Bridges

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Has your dentist in Grand Island, NE, talked with you about getting a dental bridge to replace some missing teeth? Let’s go over the most commonly used dental bridges. This will give you enough information to talk intelligently with your dentist about which one they recommend for you and why.

The Four Most Commonly Used Dental Bridges

Here are the four most commonly used dental bridges in Grand Island, NE.

1. Traditional Bridge (fixed bridge)

A traditional bridge is also referred to as a fixed bridge and the one that is most commonly used. A traditional bridge is made up of one or more artificial teeth. The traditional bridge is attached by placing dental crowns over your surrounding healthy teeth on each side of the gap where your teeth are missing.

2. Implant-Supported Bridge (fixed dental partials)

Implant-supported bridges are also called fixed dental partials. They use dental implants embedded in your jawbone to support your bridge. Implant-supported bridges are like traditional bridges. The only difference is they are placed on top of a dental implant rather than being placed over your natural teeth with crowns like a traditional bridge is.

3. Maryland Dental Bridge (resin-bonded bridge)

A Maryland dental bridge is also called a resin-bonded bridge. This type of dental bridge uses a porcelain or metal framework that has wings on it. The wings are bonded to the backs of your surrounding teeth to hold your bridge in place. Most dentists use Maryland bridges to replace front teeth because they aren’t strong enough to hold up to the force of chewing that your back teeth experience.

4. Cantilever Dental Bridge

A cantilever dental bridge is like a traditional bridge except it only has a crown on one end instead of both ends. Dentists typically use a cantilever dental bridge when you only have natural teeth on one side of your missing teeth gap. Cantilever bridges are not as strong as traditional bridges due to their design.

Do You Need a Dentist in Grand Island, NE?

If you need a dentist in Grand Island, NE, please Contact Gentle Dental today. We are dedicated to delivering the highest quality dental care possible from our warm and welcoming office. Come and see why our patients choose us.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

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If you have missing teeth in your smile, partial dentures or dental implants may not be your only option. Dental bridges in Grand Island, NE are an effective way to restore a smile that has missing natural teeth. These prosthetic fixtures connect to existing teeth to close gaps in your smile where you may be missing one or more teeth. Find out the benefits of dental bridges below.

Dental Bridges Restore Chewing Function

Installing a dental bridge restores more than just a gap in your smile; your chewing function can also be mostly restored. Normally, when a tooth is extracted or missing, the surrounding teeth pick up the slack, which can cause undue stress and wear. A dental bridge allows you to continue chewing with the force of your bite evenly distributed across the bridge and the anchoring teeth.

Dental Bridges Offer a Long-Term Restoration Solution

A well-designed dental bridge can easily last for five to seven years, but many patients see much longer years of use when they maintain a good oral hygiene routine. In fact, it is not uncommon for a bridge to last 15 years or more. Therefore, while a dental bridge may not last quite as long as an implant, the option is still a long-term solution for most patients.

Dental Bridges Are More Stable Than a Partial Denture

Partial dentures are often a go-to solution for missing teeth because they are cost-effective. However, partial dentures may not be as stable as a dental bridge. A partial simply seats in the mouth around your natural teeth. And, the fixture can be removed for cleaning. Therefore, there is a possibility that the partial will shift and move while you are chewing or speaking. If you want a more stable option for just a few gaps in your smile, a bridge tends to be a better choice.

Talk to a Grand Island Dentist About Bridges

For the right patient, obtaining a dental bridge from a Grand Island dentist can be a life-changing treatment. If you feel that a dental bridge could be the right option for you, we are happy to do a consultation at Gentle Dental care. Reach out today to request an appointment.

Sources

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10921-dental-bridges