If you’re one of the 120+ million Americans who is currently missing at least one tooth, now is the best time to be alive. While that might sound like a strange statement, the truth is that people currently have more options than ever when it comes to rebuilding their smiles, all of which are strong, reliable, and attractive. One of the most popular is a dental bridge in Schenectady. As with anything else these days, you have a choice to make when it comes to bridges, so below, we’re going to briefly discuss both types so you can decide which one might be right for you.
But First, What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic that is used to replace a single tooth or up to three consecutive teeth. Dental crowns are placed on either side of the gap in someone’s smile, and these are bonded to additional crowns (called “pontics”) that literally bridge the space in between. Bridges in one form of another have been around for decades, but thanks to the latest techniques and materials in dentistry, they’re now able to offer a durable, lifelike solution that allows patients to smile confidently as well as eat whatever they like without restriction.
Today, bridges come in two varieties: traditional, and implant-retained…
Traditional Bridges: Tried & Trusted
For this treatment, the dental crowns used to support the new teeth are placed over a patient’s natural teeth right next to the absent ones. The teeth are slightly reshaped to ensure the crowns fit securely, and these keep the pontics stable while someone is chewing or speaking. Typically, a patient can get a completely custom-made bridge in as little as two appointments.
Implant-Retained Bridges: State-of-the-Art Tooth Replacement
With an implant-retained bridge, on the other hand, the supporting dental crowns are directly attached to the jawbone using small titanium tooth roots. This option is ideal for patients who don’t have enough healthy dental structure to hold a regular bridge. For the procedure, the new roots are surgically placed into the jawbone, a patient is fitted with a temporary bridge while they heal, and then they’ll receive their permanent bridge a few months later.
Which One is Better?
Both types of bridges are used every day in dental practices around the world to provide excellent results, so the right kind for you really depends on your unique situation.
If you’re looking for a relatively fast treatment that doesn’t involve any kind of surgery, then a traditional bridge may be the best choice. However, if you want the most secure prosthetic possible that accurately recreates the strength and durability of your natural teeth, then an implant-retained bridge is definitely the way to go. Another advantage of implant bridges is that they actually stimulate the jawbone once in place, which provides essential support for the facial muscles. This, in turn, helps a patient maintain a more youthful appearance as the years go by.
Basically, you can’t go wrong with either choice, so the best thing you can do is simply consult a dentist and let them know about your particular goals, wants, and concerns so they can make a recommendation. And, if you’re uneasy about receiving any type of dental care, be sure to ask about sedation. Many dentists today offer multiple types of sedation that can make even the most persistent nerves disappear to ensure a comfortable experience for every patient.
About Capital Smiles
Dr. Erin Page leads the team at Capital Smiles, and thanks to her experience and expertise, she’s able to provide a wide array of replacement options for patients with tooth loss, including traditional and implant-retained bridges. They are also able to offer nitrous oxide, oral conscious, and even IV sedation on-site so that nervous patients can easily stay relaxed during their visits. If you’re ready to replace your missing teeth, they would be happy to discuss your options with you, so contact Capital Smiles today.