Bridges
A Bridge to a New You
If you’re missing teeth and you’re not a baby, you’ve probably found that people don’t think it’s too cute. Unfortunately, once your “adult” teeth have grown in, it seems harder to get respect in your daily life with a toothless smile. The good news is that while tooth loss is surprisingly common in adults around Carson City, our dentists can help solve your problems.
Whether it is from tooth decay, gum disease, a failed root canal, or an accident, many adults are missing teeth somewhere in their smile. In fact, nearly 7 in 10 adults have lost at least one of their teeth by the time they turn 44, and by the time we turn 74, about one-quarter have no permanent teeth left at all!
Restore Your Smile Today!
Effects of Missing Teeth
If you are among this part of the Carson City population, you know the difficulties that follow when you lose a tooth. Including the impact on how you speak, your ability to chew and eat comfortably, and your self-esteem may also take a hit, especially if the missing tooth now causes an unsightly gap in your smile. If left untreated for a time, a missing tooth may also cause your teeth to shift, lead to a painful condition known as TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), or increase your risk for gum disease and tooth decay.
How to Fix Missing Teeth
Before you panic, know that there are lots of options for our Carson City dentists to help fill in the gap a missing tooth leaves behind. Fixed dental bridges are among the more common choices and work exactly how they sound: by bridging or filling in the space caused by a lost tooth. Fixed bridges are just that – fixed – and cannot be taken in and out of the mouth and are typically held in place via bonding cement and/or metal substructures.
Types of Bridges
Made from porcelain, porcelain-over-metal, metal alloys, or gold, a bridge uses neighboring teeth to anchor one or more artificial teeth in between them. Although there are several types of fixed bridges, there are three main types:
- Conventional/traditional fixed bridge
- Cantilever bridge
- Resin-bonded bridge (also known as a Maryland bridge)
Cost of a Dental Bridge
The cost of a bridge depends on a variety of different things, including your insurance coverage and the type of bridge you choose. The good news is that they can last anywhere from five to twenty years if well cared for, so it’s best to return to Advanced Dentistry by Design for regular checkups and practice good oral hygiene to keep the area clean.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about bridges, or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors at Advanced Dentistry by Design, contact your Carson City dentists today!