Tooth loss can pose a number of issues to your dental health and your smile’s appearance. That’s particularly true when the front teeth are affected. Thankfully, Dr. Sharon B. Mateja offers dental bridges and other solutions for tooth loss. Bridges have helped patients in the Rancho Cucamonga, CA area smile with renewed confidence.

Below, we’ll consider why a missing front tooth is such an issue. We’ll then discuss some of the basics regarding dental bridges and why they may be the right option for you.

Problems Caused by Missing Front Teeth

If you’re missing one front tooth or multiple front teeth, it can lead to a number of issues with your smile and your dental health.

In terms of your dental health, a missing front tooth can make it difficult to eat certain foods. Your dental alignment may have changed as well, which could increase the risk of soreness when biting and chewing, or even teeth grinding (bruxism).

When it comes to the aesthetics of your smile, a missing front tooth creates a prominent gap. This can make you feel self-conscious about laughing and smiling, even around relatives and other loved ones. Speech impediments are common after losing a tooth, which can make social interactions even more awkward.

How Dental Bridges Work

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that is flanked by dental crowns. The crowns will cap natural teeth adjacent to the tooth gap, while the false tooth will fill the gap itself. In essence, the bridge spans the gap left behind by a missing tooth; it is a literal bridge.

Bridges come in many materials, but tooth-colored bridges are typically ideal for the replacement of a missing front tooth. This allows patients to experience the restorative and cosmetic benefits of a bridge.

Ideal Candidates for Dental Bridges

Good candidates for a dental bridge are people who are missing a tooth and have healthy teeth surrounding the tooth gap. They should understand the risks and benefits of the procedure, and have realistic expectations about the treatment process and recovery.

During your visit to our Rancho Cucamonga office, we can discuss the various pros and cons of dental bridges, and also note alternatives for treating your tooth loss.

The Dental Bridge Procedure

To place a bridge, the teeth adjacent to the tooth gap must each be prepped. That means removing tooth structure from the teeth adjacent to the gap so crowns can fit in place. An impression is taken so the custom bridge appliance can be created in a dental lab.

In a second visit about two weeks later, the custom bridge will be placed. The fit of the crowns and the false tooth are checked before the dentist adheres the bridge securely.

The Results of Getting a Dental Bridge

Having a custom dental bridge can greatly enhance the appearance and health of your smile. Thanks to color matching and advanced materials, people may not even notice that you have a bridge, they’ll simply notice your smile. The outcomes can be extremely convincing.

Learn More About Treating Tooth Loss

If you live in the Rancho Cucamonga area and would like to learn about treatments for missing teeth, be sure to contact a trusted cosmetic and restorative dentist. You can reach our practice by phone at (909) 989-5959.