If you are missing one or more teeth in a row, a fixed dental bridge is an excellent option to restore your smile and your chewing ability. Fixed dental bridges rely on nearby teeth for stability. This means the tooth on either side of the gap left by your missing teeth needs to be prepared for a crown. This requires reducing each tooth to accommodate the thickness of the crown. Although this is the most permanent, long-lasting, and stable treatment aside from a dental implant, you do not have to have a fixed bridge. There are other options.

Other Bridge Options

While a fixed dental bridge is the most common alternative to a dental implant, it is not the only alternative. The fixed bridge requires grinding down healthy, adjacent teeth. Some patients may not prefer that method and, therefore, opt for one of the following:

Removable Dental Bridge: A removable dental bridge consists of replacement teeth supported on a metal framework. The metal framework attaches to your nearby natural teeth for support and stability. Because the bridge is attached with metal “wings,” the adjacent teeth do not usually require any preparation. However, because the bridge is not permanently bonded to anything, it lacks the same stability as a fixed bridge or dental implant, and may not be as comfortable either.   This type of bridge may be used to restore front teeth that do not endure the same chewing demands as back molars.

Removable Partial Dentures: The difference between a removable bridge and a partial denture is that with the partial denture the teeth aren’t required to be in a row. The replacement teeth are positioned on a pink plastic base that blends with your gums. The base is supported on a metal framework which attaches to your healthy teeth. Partial dentures can replace missing teeth in various places on the same dental arch by being configured around your remaining healthy teeth.

If You’re Missing One Or More Teeth, Ask Dr. Huffstutler About Dental Bridge Options

A dental bridge can be a minimally or non-invasive treatment procedure to replace missing teeth and restore your chewing function and your smile. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Huffstutler, your Fort Worth, TX, dentist today by calling 817-918-3038.  We also proudly serve North Richland Hills, Denton, the Mid-cities, Southlake, and all surrounding communities.