You know better than anyone how important it is to maintain your oral health and ensure your smile stays as bright as possible. At Sachem Dental Group, dental bridges are one of the solutions we offer to help restore your smile’s functionality and appearance. If you’re wondering whether a dental bridge might be right for you, here are five signs to consider:
How Does a Dental Bridge Work?
Before diving into the signs that might indicate a need for a dental bridge, let’s briefly discuss how these restorative dental appliances work. A dental bridge is a custom-made prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontic teeth, anchored in place by a pair of dental crowns secured onto adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. By “bridging” the gap left by missing teeth, dental bridges restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently.
Signs You Might Need a Dental Bridge
1. Missing Teeth
Perhaps the most obvious sign that you might need a dental bridge is if you have one or more missing teeth. Gaps in your smile not only affect your self-confidence but can also lead to subsequent oral health issues. A classic example is when your adjacent teeth shift into the open space, causing misalignment and bite problems. Dental bridges effectively fill these gaps, preventing potential orthodontic, TMJ, and tooth-wear complications.
2. Difficulty Chewing and Speaking
If you’re experiencing difficulties while chewing your meals or making certain letter sounds when you speak, it could be due to missing teeth. A dental bridge can restore your bite’s alignment, making chewing and speech more comfortable and natural sounding.
3. Structural Damage or Wear in Your Neighboring Teeth
When a tooth is lost, the neighboring teeth can be at risk of extensive enamel wear. The teeth adjacent to the gap typically shift over time, leading to misalignment and irregular wear patterns on their chewing surfaces. Or maybe you have large fillings in those teeth, and they will eventually need crowns. Since either end of your bridge will essentially crown those teeth, its purpose is twofold.
4. You’re Self-Conscious About Your Smile
If you find yourself hiding your teeth when you’re around other people, it’s time to consider a dental bridge. Your smile is a significant aspect of your self-esteem and how you present yourself to the world. Dental bridges can effectively restore the aesthetics of your smile, boosting your confidence.
5. Gum and Jaw Pain
If you’re experiencing gum pain or discomfort in your jaw, it could be related to the gap caused by missing teeth. Uneven pressure on your gums and TMJ due to atypical chewing patterns or missing teeth can lead to gingival discomfort and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. A dental bridge can help distribute biting force evenly and alleviate these issues.
Schedule a Dental Bridge Consultation Today
At Sachem Dental Group in Long Island, NY, Suffolk County, our team of experienced dentists is dedicated to providing you with personalized dental bridge solutions that cater to your unique needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
