Are you missing a tooth and curious what your options are for replacing it? Thanks to advances in science and technology there are many more options than there used to be to replace a missing tooth. Dental implants, which involves a permanent metal post being secured in your jawbone and an artificial crown attached, are becoming a very popular and more permanent options. Unfortunately, dental implants can be a bit costlier, the treatment plan can take several months, and may not be the best option for everyone depending on their oral health. Alternative options that do not involve implants include dentures and bridges. Below is more information on different types of dentures and dental bridge leesburg, va:

Tooth-supported fixed bridge

A dental bridge is a synthetic piece that is made to bridge the gap created from the missing tooth with an artificial tooth in the middle to fill the gap. The most common dental bridge for a single missing tooth, is a tooth-supported fixed bridge. This is also called a traditional dental bridge. A traditional dental bridge is usually comprised of an artificial tooth, called a pontic, with dental crowns on each side that are designed to fix to your natural teeth. This style of fixed bridges involves sanding down the adjacent teeth that are used to attach the bridge to. The tooth-supported bridge is not implanted into the bone or gums but is above them. A tooth-supported bridge usually lasts about 5-10 years. Because of the nature of the bridge framework, this type of bridge can be difficult to floss and brush around, which can be a concern for keeping your natural teeth healthy.

Removable partial dentures

Unlike implants or bridges, dentures are a removable and less permanent option. Dentures do not require the adjacent teeth to be prepared or damaged prior to being fit. Unfortunately, because they are not permanently fixed in your mouth, dentures are not as secure or comfortable as the alternative options. Dentures can impact the way you speak and eat if they do not fit securely in your mouth. Dentures are known to be a less expensive option, but often do not function or look as natural as the alternative options.

Resin-bonded bridge

Different than the traditional bridge, a bonded bridge, also called a Maryland Bridge, is a metal framed bridge with a porcelain tooth in the middle. Maryland bridges have two metal wings that are attached to the back of the nearby teeth. This type of bridge is often considered for replacing front teeth because front teeth do not have to deal with the same demands as back teeth when it comes to biting and chewing. This type of bridge does not require the adjacent teeth to be prepared but is also not believed to be as secure as the tooth-supported fixed bridge.

Removable complete denture

A complete set of dentures is built to sit on top of the gums where missing teeth once were. Dentures can often be uncomfortable if they do not fit well, and can impact eating, talking, and can cause soreness of the gums from rubbing and shifting.

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