Everyone deserves a beautiful smile as this allows them to interact with others without feeling self-conscious or embarrassed. However, missing teeth can leave you with a flawed smile, which also disrupts your ability to speak, chew, or maintain your oral health. For years, dental bridges have been used to replace missing teeth, improving their function and look. However, they may not be right for some people. A dentist in Mississauga Ontario can determine if dental bridges are right for you after assessing your mouth and oral health. 

What are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices used to bridge the gap created by missing teeth. Typically, they are composed of two crowns placed on your teeth adjacent to the empty space. An artificial tooth known as a pontic is set in between the bridge. This results in a natural-looking restoration lets you gain back your smile and enhance the function of your teeth. 

Kinds of Dental Bridges

Below are various kinds of dental bridges your dentist may offer:

• Traditional bridges. These bridges utilize two crowns on any side of the empty space to anchor an artificial tooth. This is a good option if there are healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap. 
• Cantilever bridges. These dental bridges are utilized when you only have an adjacent tooth beside the gap. 
• Maryland bonded bridges. These dental bridges use a porcelain or metal framework attached to the adjacent teeth back. 
• Implant-supported bridges. Tooth implants support these bridges rather than real teeth. These bridges are more stable and duration than other kind of bridges. They are ideal if you are missing many teeth. 

How to Know If You Can Have Bridges

The following are factors to consider to know if you can benefit from dental bridges:

• Number of missing teeth. In general, dental bridges are perfect if you have 1-3 missing teeth in a row. If you have lost more numbers of teeth, implant-supported bridges or partial dentures may be right for you.
• Adjacent teeth conditions. The abutment teeth, or the teeth next to the gap, should be able to support the bridge. They may not offer enough support if they are weakened, decayed, or require complex dental work. Your dentist will evaluate these teeth’s health to know if they can anchor the bridge. 
• Your overall oral health. To ensure your dental bridge lasts for a long time, you must keep your mouth clean. To be a good candidate for dental bridges, you should have healthy gums. Gum health is essential since the bridge depends on healthy tissue for support. In addition, good oral hygiene practices make sure the bridge lasts a long time and minimize the risk of complications. 
• Oral habits. If you get dental bridges, you must maintain good oral hygiene, which includes regular tooth brushing, flossing, and professional dental checkups. Smoking, neglecting dental care, and other poor oral habits can compromise the dental bridge’s success. 
• Bone density. If your dentist recommends an implant-supported dental bridge, you must have enough bone density to hole the tooth implant in place. Missing teeth can cause bone loss. If you do not have enough bone density, a bone graft may be necessary to ensure sufficient support for the implant. 
• Your budget. Dental bridges can have varying costs, depending on the kind, the materials used, and the procedure’s complexity. Conventional bridges are often more affordable while those supported by implants can be costlier. To make an informed choice, research financing options and understand your budget. Dental insurance may cover a big part of the procedure, which makes it more affordable than others. 
• Your long-term goals. The benefits of getting a dental bridge must align with your long-term oral health goals. If you want a less invasive procedure to replace missing teeth, consider traditional bridges. Meanwhile, if you want a more permanent and long-lasting option, consider implant-supported bridges.