Missing or damaged teeth are an unpleasant reality, but fortunately there are options available to help restore your smile. Your cosmetic dentist in Mt. Pleasant, SC can work with you to create a bridge or denture that will enhance your natural features and revive your oral health. While a bridge or denture does the job of filling in the gap, it can also prevent your teeth from shifting and improve your ability to speak and chew. Whether you choose a bridge or a denture, each option functions differently and will depend on your unique needs and lifestyle.
What is a Bridge and Is It Right For Me?
A bridge gets its name because it works just like one. A dental bridge uses two adjacent teeth as vertical supports on either side of the missing tooth to stabilize the replacement teeth. Then a crown is placed on each of the support teeth, and a third crown called a pontic is joined to these other two crowns to form one strong unit. The bridge is cemented in place and is permanent, which means you never have to take it out to clean it. Once your teeth are linked together like this, you will need to adjust your flossing technique to be sure you are cleaning underneath the pontic correctly. A dental bridge is a relatively quick process, and the restorations can be very long lasting if they are maintained properly. It is also less invasive than dental implants, where one or more surgical procedures may be necessary to complete the process.
Dentures
If you are suffering from a sizable gap in your smile as a result of missing teeth, you may want think about the possibility of getting a denture. Dentures are anchored to your real teeth with metal clasps to fill the gap and restore you back to your full smile. A full exam by your dentist is necessary to determine if there is any reason that getting dentures would affect your ability to wear them with ease. As with any big change, having a denture may take some getting used to. Sometimes they have the potential to affect your speech, eating and general comfort until you are able to adapt to it. Regular examinations of your mouth and dentures will be needed as your gums and underlying jawbone slowly change shape. Your dentures will also suffer wear over time, requiring adjustments to prevent problems further down the road. In addition to improving your oral health, you will also benefit from restored facial appearance and a brighter smile.
Next Step
Never hesitate to seek out more information regarding your oral health. A thorough consultation with your dentist in Mount Pleasant, SC, Dr. Virginia L. Gregory, will help you decide what path is right for you. If you dream about having a smile that makes you feel full of life again, make an appointment with us today.