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One of the most common ways of replacing a missing tooth is to have a dental bridge fitted. A dentist will secure two crowns on either side of the gap and bridge the hole using an artificial tooth, creating the appearance of a real tooth.
People can be missing teeth for a number of reasons. One of the most common causes for missing teeth is sporting injury or other head trauma. Having a missing tooth can be very embarrassing as it is very hard to disguise. It can be the cause of self-confidence and esteem issues and make people reluctant to make eye contact. Furthermore, missing teeth can also have a physiological impact on the patient. Missing teeth can cause other teeth in the dental arc to move around creating a disruption to the bite. This can a source of great irritation and even cause painful grinding of teeth, known as bruxism, or jaw conditions known as TMJs. Missing teeth can also cause the facial tissues to sag which can be irreversible if not addressed in time.
Dental bridges are the most common solution and also one of the most affordable. They are fixed substitutes that create the impression of a real tooth. There are three main kinds of dental bridge called the traditional fixed bridge, the resin bonded bridge and the cantilever bridge, which are used according to the condition of the remaining real teeth.
If properly maintained and cleaned, a dental bridge can last up to ten years before it needs to be replaced. It acts as a realistic substitute for a real tooth and support for facial muscles. More importantly it creates the aesthetic impression or healthy teeth removing the need to feel embarrassed. If you are suffering from a missing tooth or considering having an earlier dental substitute replaced, ask a City of London dentist about dental bridges.