Bridge the Gap Left by Your Missing Teeth

Do you shy away from photo opportunities to hide your smile? Do you speak softly because you pronounce some words funnily? Do you have difficulty eating food? If you suffer from these situations due to missing teeth, then dental bridges might be the solution for you. A dental bridge is a prosthetic that replaces a missing tooth or a few missing teeth in a row.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a permanent prosthetic that bridges the gap left by missing teeth. The procedure requires two healthy teeth on both sides of the gap to serve as abutment teeth. These will act as “posts” for the bridge. Dr. Miller will fit the crowns that border the bridge onto the abutment teeth to hold the pontics: the natural-looking teeth that will replace your missing ones. Once secured to your abutment teeth, your dental bridge will look and feel like your natural teeth while restoring oral functions lost in their absence.

Consequences of Leaving Teeth Missing

Missing teeth can create complications in your oral health. If left missing, then you may be at risk of the following:

Difficulty in eating: Teeth have individual roles in breaking down food before digestion. Missing teeth will hamper your eating experience.

Difficulty articulating speech: Speech articulation occurs when air passes through your mouth, controlled by your tongue and teeth. Your teeth act almost like valves that control airflow in a trumpet. The loss of one valve handicaps the trumpet in producing certain notes. Similarly, missing teeth will hinder you from enunciating your words properly.

Misaligned teeth: Teeth stand side-by-side to support each other. If one tooth is missing, the others will shift towards the empty space. Shifting teeth can create hard-to-reach nooks and crannies for oral bacteria to hide in. If the bacteria in these nooks can’t be brushed or flossed, then they can potentially lead to tooth decay or gum disease.

Tainted self-confidence: Your smile mirrors your confidence. The impact of your smile relies on the appearance of your teeth. Misaligned and missing teeth can negatively affect your smile’s aesthetic appeal, ad if you hide your smile, then your confidence will hide with it.

About Dr. Mark Miller

At Snow Park Dental, Dr. Miller provides the preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental care you need to help you enjoy optimal oral health and a beautiful smile. Contact us today at (505) 299-2979 to schedule a consultation or appointment at our Albuquerque NM dentist’s office. We proudly serve families from Rio Rancho, Corrales, Edgewood, Tijeras, Los Lunas, and surrounding communities.

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