Are missing teeth making you feel self-conscious and affecting your bite? You are not alone. An estimated 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. And when you lose one or more teeth, your remaining teeth can shift. This causes problems for your other teeth and for bite function. Fixed and removable dental bridges in Anderson, SC, offer an effective solution to fill those gaps and restore your functional smile.
The main differences between fixed and removable bridges:
- Fixed bridges attach permanently to adjacent teeth or implants
- Removable bridges clip onto existing teeth without permanent changes
- Fixed options provide better stability for eating and speaking
- Removable bridges cost less upfront
- The best choice depends on your oral health and dental goals
Fixed Dental Bridges: The Permanent and Stable Option
A dental bridge literally “bridges” the gap where you have missing teeth. This is a custom restoration consisting of several different options. A fixed dental bridge is an artificial tooth that anchors permanently to your surrounding healthy teeth or dental implants. This can involve your dentist placing crowns on the teeth adjacent to your missing tooth pr teeth, then connecting an artificial tooth between the crowns. It functions as a literal bridge of teeth!
This type of bridge creates a lot of stability and functionality. With this option, you can eat, laugh, and smile with teeth that look and feel natural. You won’t deal with slippage, and you’ll clean them like the rest of your natural teeth. One of the main considerations for dental bridges involves the adjacent teeth. Those teeth must be healthy. And your dentist will have to reshape them a bit to make room for the crowns, which permanently changes their structure.
Removable Dental Bridges: The Flexible and More Conservative Option
Removable bridges, also called partial dentures, clip onto your existing teeth without the need for permanent changes to your tooth structure. You can remove them for cleaning and sleeping, which some people find convenient.
These types of bridges also cost less initially and preserve the structure of your natural teeth. They can be used if you have multiple missing teeth or when your adjacent teeth aren’t strong enough to support permanent bridges. Removable bridges do tend to come with an adjustment period and can impact your speech until you get used to the way they feel. They require daily removal for cleaning and may slip while you’re eating.
How to Choose Your Best Option
At Waters Family Dentistry, our team will evaluate your specific needs to recommend the best solution. Dr. Waters will consider your oral health, bone structure, and preferences, and talk through your options with you. Both types of dental bridges in Anderson, SC, can restore your bite and confidence.