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Why Replacing Missing Teeth with a Bridge Is Smart

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Having missing teeth in your mouth can be embarrassing and can lead to problems speaking and eating. In addition, missing teeth can lead to other oral problems as well. If you are tired of living like this and want to reduce the risks of developing other issues, you may want to consider getting a porcelain fixed bridge to replace the missing teeth you have. If your missing teeth are next to each other, you may be able to get by with just one bridge, which can be used to replace both of the teeth you are missing. Here are several important things you should know about this.

The Risks of Leaving Gaps in Your Mouth

Whenever a tooth is missing, it can make you self-conscious and can lead to problems eating certain foods. Depending on where the teeth are missing, it may also make it harder for you to speak, primarily because your tongue relies on touching your teeth to make sounds. These are not the only problems caused by missing teeth though. Here are a couple other issues you may want to know about if you are wondering whether you should replace those missing teeth:

  • Gums can wear away—Your gums hold your teeth in place, but your teeth help protect your gums. If you do not have teeth, anything you eat can rub against your gums causing them to wear away.
  • Bone mass can be lost—The other vital factor to understand involves the importance of your jawbone. Your jawbone stimulates and grows all the time, but it cannot do this without your teeth. When you have teeth, whether they are real or fake, it keeps the stimulation going, and this keeps your jawbone strong and dense.

These are the two most severe consequences of leaving gaps in your mouth from missing teeth.

How a Bridge Works

A bridge is something used to replace missing teeth, and porcelain fixed bridges are one of the most common types. A porcelain fixed bridge is something that is customer made for your mouth and is cemented in place. It is made up of several components, and it can be used to replace one tooth or two consecutive teeth.

The first component is the crown, or crowns if used to replace two teeth. These are artificial teeth that you will see. They will replace the teeth you are missing. The other part of a fixed bridge is the crowns that are made to fit over the teeth next to the gap. These crowns are designed to hold the artificial teeth in place. With a porcelain bridge, all these parts are made of porcelain, which is a very durable material.

What to Expect With a Bridge

Getting a bridge will typically require at least two visits. The first appointment will be used to prepare the teeth for the bridge, and the dentist will have to make impressions at this visit. The second visit is used to install the bridge in place. If it fits perfectly, the dentist will cement it in, and it should not move at all.

Once you have the bridge, you will basically need to care for just like you would your regular teeth. This involves brushing your teeth daily and flossing. Flossing by a bridge can be a little more difficult, but you can purchase a dental flosser to use. This is a device that works very well for flossing around bridges, and using it daily will help you keep your bridge clean.

If you are tired of having missing teeth, contact a dentist today. Your dentist can determine if a fixed porcelain bridge would work for you and your situation.


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