When you develop even minor tooth loss, the health of your smile could suffer, as well as your smile’s overall appearance. In order to treat minor tooth loss and improve the beauty and function of your smile, your Ankeny, IA, dentist will offer a dental bridge. We’re going to explain how we create one that fits comfortably and looks natural!
The Dangers of Losing Even One Tooth
What happens when an individual tooth is lost? First, the surrounding teeth could begin to drift from position. Developing misalignment means changes to your smile’s beauty, as well as an increased risk of cavities and gum disease, as thoroughly brushing and flossing is more difficult now. The lack of a tooth could upset the balance of your bite too, boosting the chances of complications like TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). Others could feel embarrassed about smiling, and this could impact overall quality of life. As the rate of tooth loss increases, you also run the risk of trouble speaking clearly or enjoying your favorite foods.
Creating a Custom Dental Bridge
To address minor tooth loss, we may create a dental bridge. This prosthetic is perfect for replacing between one and three lost teeth in a row. The prosthetic itself consists of a pontics, the term for replacement teeth, with crowns attached to each end. We craft them from lifelike materials, such as ceramic, so we can tint them to better blend with your smile. We begin by removing structure from the abutment teeth, or the natural teeth on either side of the gap in your smile. Next, we take a series of detailed impressions and images, which enables us to design and craft the prosthetic in a dental lab setting with precision and accuracy.
Placement and Maintenance
When the prosthetic is ready, you return to the office and check the fit and make any necessary adjustments. We want a comfortable fit that also improves your bite balance and prevents strain on your jaw joints. We attach the crown portions to the abutment teeth, which firmly secures your pontics in place. With proper care and attention, the prosthetic could last for between 10 and 15 years on average, and enable you to enjoy a full and beautiful smile. If you have any questions about managing tooth loss or creating a lifelike dental bridge, or if you want to know how to keep your new bridge bright and stable for years to come, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Treating Missing Teeth?
At Peddicord Family Dentistry, we want to help you maintain a whole and healthy smile by treating missing teeth. Call Dr. Peddicord in our Ankeny, IA office at (515) 963-3339 to learn more about our custom-made dental prosthetics.