Dental Bridges Benefits and Risks By N. Perry Orchard on December 03, 2012

Broken, chipped, cracked, and decaying teeth can be painful, difficult to clean, and unsightly. At our Corpus Christi cosmetic dentistry practice, we provide a number of treatments designed to restore the function and aesthetics of your smile. Dental bridges offer a natural-looking, healthy, and strong solution to your dental needs; they are designed to replace one to three consecutive missing teeth. Anchored to two crowns that are placed on the teeth on either side of the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth, a bridge is a prosthetic made to look like real teeth. Dental bridges are also useful when restoring dental implants.

Benefits

Replacing your missing teeth with dental bridges can improve the form, function, and appearance of your teeth. Failing or missing teeth can be detrimental to your oral health. Cracks and gaps left by missing teeth can harbor harmful, disease- and decay-causing bacteria that could further damage your teeth. Dental bridges will restore the existing issues with your oral health, while strengthening and protecting your teeth.

Living with failing or missing teeth can lead to trouble chewing, eating, and speaking normally. After injury or significant decay, these seemingly simple tasks can become very painful. Dental bridges work and feel just like natural teeth do, providing you with a fully functional and comfortable smile.

Being able to express yourself with confidence has a dramatic effect on your emotional well being. If you're self-conscious about your broken smile and hesitate to laugh or speak up, dental bridges can change that. Matched to the color of your natural teeth and custom-fit to your appearance, dental bridges can put life back into your smile. After your dental appointment, Drs. Robertson and Orchard will send you home with a boost of confidence that will improve every aspect of your life.

Risks

Placing dental crowns (to anchor the bridge) on your healthy teeth requires the removal of enamel to make room for the restoration.
If the material used to fabricate your dental bridge does not properly absorb the forces of chewing and biting, you may experience moderate to severe pain.
If a condition such as periodontal disease preexists the placement of a dental bridge, it may worsen after receiving the restoration. Additionally, bridges that are not properly cared for and cleaned may raise your risk for gum disease.
Though rare, some patients may develop an infection after the dental bridges treatment.
It is possible for patients to have an allergic reaction to the materials used in the dental bridges treatment.

Learn More about Dental Bridges

Drs. Robertson and Orchard have dedicated their careers to providing services such as dental bridges in order to restore the health and happiness of their patients. If your chipped, broken, or missing teeth are taking a toll on your oral health and self-esteem, don't wait another day to find out how dental bridges can help. For our patients in Corpus Christi, dental crowns or dental implants can be used to hold a dental bridge in place. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.