17 Apr Will a Dental Bridge Affect My Speech?
Losing teeth in adulthood has far-reaching effects on oral health. In addition to affecting a patient’s appearance, losing teeth diminishes a patient’s ability to chew food properly and efficiently. Losing teeth also increases the risk for losing more teeth because empty tooth sockets do not support adjacent teeth. Over time, teeth can collapse or shift into areas where teeth have been lost. For these reasons, our dentist strongly encourages patients with missing teeth to explore their tooth replacement options with restorative dentistry. [pullquote]In addition to affecting a patient’s appearance, losing teeth diminishes a patient’s ability to chew food properly and efficiently.[/pullquote]
A dental bridge is a common restoration for patients with tooth loss. These restorations involve placing prosthetic teeth between natural teeth to restore oral function and conceal gaps in a patient’s smile. Unlike dentures or partials, dental bridges are permanently anchored in the mouth and are not removed for cleanings. Instead, dental bridges are treated like natural teeth.
These restorations may replace up to four missing teeth. Anchored to existing teeth, a bridge consists of one or more dental crowns. Made in dental laboratories, bridges are designed to perfectly fit in empty tooth sockets so that patients can enjoy renewed oral function without gaps in their smiles. Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials including porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and durable metal alloys such as gold and silver. Crowns replace a missing tooth above the gum line and provide a stable biting surface.
Unlike dentures, which may move or slide in the mouth, bridges are attached to existing teeth so they are firmly anchored in place. For this reason, bridges do not affect speech. Bridges are brushed and flossed rather than taken out for cleanings. For patients with a dental bridge, our dentist may recommend special cleaning tools that spray water underneath the restoration to keep the gums clean and free of plaque.
If you have lost teeth or if you require restorative dentistry, we welcome you to contact the office of Drs. Bonner & Huriega to schedule an appointment with our experienced dental team.