When you lose a tooth, it can affect more than just your smile. It can impact how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. At Dearborn Family Smiles, we understand how important it is to find the right solution to restore your smile. Two common options for replacing missing teeth are fixed bridges and removable bridges. If you’re considering dental bridges in Dearborn, our experienced team can help you choose the best option for your needs and lifestyle.
Let’s take a closer look at both!
What Is A Fixed Dental Bridge?
A fixed dental bridge replaces the missing tooth or teeth with prosthetic ones and is cemented onto specially prepared teeth on either side of the gapped space. This restoration is anchored with crowns on natural teeth on each side. Permanent or fixed bridges can be made from metal, ceramics, or a combination of the two.
Pros Of Fixed Dental Bridges:
- Prevention Of Dental Drift: Adjacent teeth can move into the gap left by a missing tooth, causing misalignment and problems with the bite. By filling the gap and preserving the alignment of the neighboring teeth, fixed bridges stop this undesired movement.
- Durability And Stability: Fixed bridges provide a stable and long-lasting solution as the patient cannot remove them since they are firmly affixed to neighboring teeth or dental implants. They offer a permanent remedy for tooth loss and can endure for many years with the right maintenance.
Cons Of Fixed Dental Bridges:
- Challenges With Bridge Removal: According to the American Dental Association (ADA),when replacements or changes are required for fixed bridges, removing these restorations can be difficult. Furthermore, problems like translucency and shade matching might have an impact on the final esthetic, especially in places that are visible.
- May Not Be Suitable For All Patients: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that the requirement of healthy adjacent teeth to support the bridge can sometimes limit patient candidacy.
What Is A Removable Dental Bridge?
A removable dental bridge clips to the teeth on both sides of the missing space. This restoration allows patients to put in and remove the bridge themselves. Removable bridges can have an acrylic base with metal clasps or a cast metal frame.
Pros Of Removable Dental Bridges:
- Convenient: Compared to a fixed bridge, alterations are easier to make if your mouth changes over time.
- Affordable Solution: The NIH reports that removable partial dentures are a “less expensive method to replace missing teeth.”
Cons Of Removable Dental Bridges:
- Consistent Maintenance: The NIH advises that removable partial bridges must be removed and cleaned daily to avoid oral health issues.
- Adjustment Period: According to the ADA, because of movement or irritation, removable appliances may take some time to get used to and need to be adjusted on a regular basis.
If you have missing teeth and are wondering what to do next, contact our trusted Dearborn Family Smiles team for support!