Dental Bridge for Missing Front Teeth
Tooth loss can impact the overall balance of the smile, weaken the bite, compromise oral functions, and put adjacent teeth at risk. When teeth are lost from the front of the mouth, it has an aesthetic effect as well, leaving many embarrassed to share their smile.
At his Los Algodones, Mexico, dental practice, Dr. Jose Valenzuela, Jr. offers dental bridges for missing front teeth. Dental bridges fill in gaps left by tooth loss to restore the strength, function, and beauty of the smile.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a restoration that is crafted to replace one to three missing teeth. These restorations are comprised of a series of dental crowns that are attached as one solid pontic (artificial) piece. The pontic sits between the natural teeth to fill in gaps left by tooth loss. Dental bridges may be supported by dental crowns that rest over the natural teeth, or by a series of dental implants that are surgically placed in the jaw beneath the area of tooth loss.
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge is made up of a pontic piece and two dental crowns on either end of the restoration. For our Los Algodones patients to be considered ideal candidates for a traditional dental bridge, they must have two healthy teeth directly adjacent to the gap of missing teeth.
Traditional bridges are more affordable than implant-supported bridges, but they do not offer the superior comfort and durability of dental implants. However, traditional dental bridges are sometimes necessary when teeth are missing from the front of the mouth, because this part of the jaw tends to be less dense, and may not be able to support dental implants.
Implant-supported Bridge
Implant-supported bridges are anchored by a series of dental implants that fuse with the tissues of the jawbone. If patients have sufficient bone density at the front of the mouth, or are willing to receive a bone graft, an implant-supported bridge can be an excellent solution for our Los Algodones patients.
Dental implants offer many benefits that are not provided by a traditional dental bridge. As implants fuse, they essentially become part of the jaw, so they provide stability that is superior to other dental restorations. An implant-supported bridge will not slip out of place, so the fit is completely secure and comfortable. Dental implants also stimulate the jawbone, making them the only dental restoration to prevent deterioration of bone tissues.
Additional Dental Bridge Options
If a dental bridge is replacing missing teeth at the side or back of the mouth, only a traditional or implant-supported bridge will work. However, when the front teeth have been lost there may be a couple of other dental bridge techniques to consider.
A cantilever bridge is one potential option for missing front teeth. A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge. It is made up of a solid pontic piece that attaches to the natural teeth. The big difference is that a cantilever bridge is held down by just a single dental crown. This technique allows patients to undergo dental bridge treatment even if they have just one healthy tooth adjacent to the site of tooth loss.
When tooth loss is at the front of the mouth, patients may also be candidates for a Maryland bridge. A Maryland bridge is attached to a metal framework that has porcelain “wings” that reach out behind the bridge and bond to the back of adjacent teeth. Maryland bridges are not as strong or durable as traditional or implant-supported bridges, but they can work at the front of the mouth since these teeth do not typically sustain as much force from a bite.
Schedule an Appointment
If you have suffered from tooth loss and are looking for strong, durable, and affordable treatment for your missing teeth, Dr. Jose Valenzuela, Jr. can help. To schedule an appointment at the Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry Center, contact us online or call (866) 627-1328 at your earliest convenience.