The Benefits of Dental Bridges in Chapel Hill

If you have a missing tooth or teeth, your dentist may recommend a dental bridge. Dental bridges are literally bridges to fill the gaps between your remaining teeth. A bridge consists of crowns on the anchoring teeth — the teeth on either side of the gap — and a false tooth or teeth between them. Bridges, which can be made from a variety of materials, have several benefits.

When you have gaps in your mouth due to missing teeth, your remaining teeth will eventually begin to drift, creating further problems. A bridge keeps your natural teeth from drifting out of position. In addition to preventing movement, bridges help to correct issues with chewing and speaking. When teeth are missing, it is harder to form certain syllables and words, and chewing requires some creativity, often resulting in further problems with the teeth you do have. A bridge will redistribute the force of your bite, saving your natural teeth from further damage.

Bridges also help you feel more confident about yourself. Missing teeth change your face shape. Especially if you are missing several in a row, your jaw could appear to sink in, making you look older. A bridge repositions your lips and cheeks to look fuller again. If your missing teeth are noticeable in the front, you might feel self-conscious about smiling and laughing in front of other people, but dental bridges fix that problem. With the help of your dentist, you will be able to recreate your happy and healthy smile.

Bridges are less invasive than dental implants, making them a great alternative for people who cannot handle the complex procedures associated with implants. Additionally, the procedure to install a bridge is fairly quick. It takes just two appointments from start to finish, a significant improvement over the time it takes for an implant or partial denture procedure.

Finally, a dental bridge is convenient. Bridges aren't removable, which means you don't have to worry about awkward moments at the dinner table or remembering to take them out and clean them before bed. You'll simply brush them the same way you do your natural teeth. Even better, they are very durable and last for quite a long time. While some wear and tear is expected over a number of years, you won’t need to worry about having them repaired or replaced often.

Dental bridges look natural, are comfortable to wear and are usually covered by insurance companies. To learn more about dental bridges in Chapel Hill, click on this link.