Missing teeth can cause a number of issues with the look of your smile and your ability to bite and chew. This is particularly true of missing front teeth. Thankfully, Dr. John F. Rink has numerous treatment options available for tooth loss. For many patients in the Charleston, Hilton Head, and Myrtle Beach, SC who are missing their front teeth, dental bridges prove an ideal option.

Let’s go over the basics of getting a dental bridge for missing front teeth. We’ll note why a bridge may be a good option, and we’ll also discuss the potential benefits of getting dental implants to support your bridge.

Problems Caused by Missing Front Teeth

Missing front teeth will usually leave people feeling self-conscious about their appearance. The loss of incisors can make them hesitant to smile, laugh, and speaking around others. Missing front teeth also makes eating most foods extremely difficult. Even soft foods can prove challenging simply because you are missing your incisors, which are crucial for cutting and tearing.

In addition to the above, missing front teeth can also lead to speech impediments. If even one incisor is missing, you’ll notice just how much that changes the way you say certain words.

How Dental Bridges Can Help

Dental bridges help address the cosmetic and health issues associated with missing teeth. Thanks to dental bridges, patients are able to bite, chew, smile, and speak with renewed confidence.

A bridge will fill the gap left behind by the missing tooth, with crowns on either end capping the teeth adjacent to the gap. This allows patients to have a fully restored smile.

Ideal Candidates for a Dental Bridge

Good candidates for dental bridges are people who are missing a tooth or sometimes two teeth. They should have otherwise healthy, strong teeth around the tooth gap since these teeth have to anchor a bridge in place.

During your visit to Charleston Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, we can go over your current situation and determine if a dental bridge is ideal for you.

Traditional Bridges vs. Implant-Supported Bridges

In addition to traditional dental bridges, it is also possible to place an implant-supported dental bridge. This is a bridge that is held in place using dental implants. These artificial tooth roots are surgically anchored into the jawbone, ensuring the utmost stability comparable to natural tooth roots.

While more stable than traditional dental bridges, implant-supported bridges are more expensive. They also require a few months of healing so the artificial tooth root can fuse with the bone structure. We can elaborate further on the pros and cons of dental implants during your visit.

The Results of Getting a Dental Bridge Placed

Whether you get traditional dental bridges or an implant-supported bridge, the results can be dramatic. Patients experience a restored ability to bite and chew, and can smile with a confidence they were previously lacking. The craftsmanship and materials mean natural-looking results that are practically indistinguishable from your remaining teeth.

Learn More About Treatments for Tooth Loss

If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth and want more information about your treatment options, be sure to contact a skilled restorative and general dentist. You can reach the Charleston Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry by phone at (843) 806-3972. We look forward to hearing from you.