If you have one or more missing teeth, your dentist can close the gap in your smile with a simple prosthesis known as a bridge. While this may sound like just an aesthetic choice, it’s an essential aspect of dental care that can improve the health of your smile. Here’s a closer look at the types and benefits of bridges. 

Benefits

Dental bridges restore not only the appearance of your smile but also its function. Missing teeth leave extra space in your mouth for the surrounding teeth to move into, which often results in misalignment. This can impact your ability to chew and talk, forcing you to adjust your bite as you eat.

Missing teeth can even impact the shape of your face, weakening and degenerating your jaw over time. A dental bridge addresses these issues by preventing your natural teeth from moving out of place. 

Types

There are four types of bridges: traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported. A traditional bridge is a false tooth held in place by dental crowns that are surrounded by natural teeth (also referred to as abutment teeth).

Alternatively, a cantilever bridge is held by a single dental crown and only requires an abutment tooth on one side. A Maryland bridge functions similarly to a traditional bridge, but it uses a framework of metal or porcelain that’s bonded to the backs of the surrounding abutment teeth.

Finally, implant-supported bridges are affixed to rods that are surgically embedded into the jawbone. While this is the strongest and most stable type of bridge, it requires two surgeries to complete: one to embed the implants into the jawbone and the other to place the bridge.

Care Tips

A dental bridge can fail if you don’t maintain your oral health. To care for your bridge, brush and floss twice a day to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay. As you do, carefully clean between your teeth and under the bridge.

Additionally, schedule regular dental care for exams and professional cleanings. This will allow your dentist to check that the bridge is still functioning optimally as they assess your overall oral health.

If you’re looking for top-notch dental care, turn to Lowitz & Meier of Cincinnati, OH. Their family dentistry specializes in orthodontics and cosmetic dental solutions. Whether you need specialized oral care with a dental bridge or want to schedule a standard cleaning, the staff will ensure your smile stays healthy and beautiful. To schedule an appointment with one of their talented dentists, call (513) 521-8900 or visit their website to learn more about their dental care services.