At the Charleston Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, we know that great dental care means knowing what your options are and why they would be right for you. This covers everything from getting dental crowns to address severe tooth damage and tooth decay to undergoing cosmetic dentistry procedures that brighten and whiten your teeth.

When you are missing a tooth or a few teeth, dental bridges are often a good option. These bridges may be fixed in place using crowns and implants. Let's explore this issue right now.

About Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are appliances that are placed in order to fill the gap that is left behind when a person loses a tooth or multiple teeth. The bridge restores the look of the smile and is helps patients bite and chew normally again.

Traditional dental bridges that are removable work by latching around the natural teeth that are adjacent to the tooth gap. By contrast, the types of bridges that we're concerned with are ones that are fixed in place in a much sturdier fashion.

Dental Crown-Supported Bridges

Dental crown-supported bridges are dental bridges that are held in place by an adjacent dental crown that has capped a natural tooth. These kinds of fixed bridges tend to be most effective when they are held between dental crowns on either side. The natural teeth will need to be prepped in order to accommodate the crown and properly hold the bridge in place.

Benefits of Dental Crown-Supported Bridges

Crown-supported bridges are very sturdy, allowing patients to bite and chew with absolute confidence. They also look quite natural when in place, meaning that few people will notice that you have a bridge and crowns in place.

Dental Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported dental bridges refer to bridges that are fixed in place through the use of dental implants. These are artificial tooth roots that surgically anchored into the patient's jawbone and gum tissue. A single implant or multiple implant can be placed based on the needs of the patient and the extent of the tooth loss.

Benefits of Dental Implant-Supported Bridges

Dental implants offer a number of benefits over other kinds of solutions for missing teeth. For one, the dental implants provide a hold that is comparable to natural tooth roots, meaning absolute stability and security of the fixed bridge. In addition, the dental implants help prevent bone loss and gum recession, two issues commonly faced after a person loses a tooth or multiple teeth.

Determining the Ideal Option for You and Your Needs

There are many factors that go into each treatment plan, including the needs of the patient as well as the patient's health and wellness overall. Financial matters may also play a big role in the final decisions regarding fixed dental bridges.

During your consultation with our team, we will be more than happy to go over all of your needs and your dental health goals. We will then help you make the best possible choice regarding the type of fixed bridge that would be ideal for your situation.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. John Rink

For more information about dental bridges and how they can benefit you, we encourage you to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. John Rink and the entire team here look forward to your visit and helping you achieve the best possible results when it comes to your dental health and wellness.