Custom, Lifelike Dental Bridges

After losing a tooth, your oral health can suffer in several ways, not the least of which is the effect on your smile’s appearance. For example, without all of your teeth in place to support each other, those that remain can shift out of place and/or become damaged from uneven bite pressure. A dental bridge is a common, lifelike option for replacing a lost tooth and helping you avoid these and other consequences of tooth loss.

What a Dental Bridge Is Made Of

As its name suggests, a dental bridge is designed to “bridge” the gap between your healthy teeth by replacing your lost one. A bridge consists of a lifelike tooth replacement, called a pontic, that’s custom-designed to closely mimic the size, shape, and appearance of your lost tooth. It’s supported by one or a pair of dental crowns that are attached to the abutment teeth closest to the empty space in your smile. If you’ve lost more than one tooth and they’re adjacent to each other, then we may be able to create a bridge to replace them all.

Dental Bridges and Dental Implants

Along with the visible portions of your teeth, known as the crowns, the loss of your teeth roots can also have an impact on your long-term oral health. For some patients, we may recommend supporting a custom-made dental bridge on one or more dental implants, which are designed to mimic natural teeth roots. If you qualify, then supporting your replacement tooth/teeth on dental implants can offer several benefits, including:

  • Improved stability for your replacement tooth
  • Greater overall comfort and convenience
  • The reestablishment of stimulation in your jawbone
  • The preservation of your remaining healthy teeth
  • Reduced risks of further tooth loss
  • And more

Build Your Smile Back Up with a Bridge

A custom-made bridge can help you restore your smile’s appearance, bite function, and much more following the loss of a tooth. To learn more about rebuilding your smile with the help of a dental bridge, schedule an appointment with us by calling MMC Dental in Houston, TX, today at 713-926-8896.