If you’ve spent any amount of time with missing teeth, you know just how much of a detriment it can be to your everyday life. Not only does it become more difficult to perform simple functions like talking and chewing, it can also do a real number on your self-image and self-confidence. The longer you avoid taking action to address missing teeth, the worse some of the associated problems can become.
One of the best available solutions for missing teeth is a dental bridge. These devices place a false tooth (or teeth) in open spaces in your mouth, and anchor them with crowns on natural teeth, or with dental implants. This is a solution widely recommended by dentists for people who have one or more missing teeth.
Our team of dentists in Buffalo Grove is happy to answer any questions you have about getting a dental bridge for your mouth. In the meantime, here’s a quick overview of five of the most notable benefits of using dental bridges.
1. Dental bridges restore your smile
People who have missing teeth need to confront a variety of potential dental health issues, but there are some other issues to consider as well—namely your self-image and confidence. Many people who use dental bridges as a means of restoring their smile feel much more confident in front of other people than they did when they had missing teeth. No longer will you have to feel self-conscious in a group photo, or in a professional setting!
Improved self-image and self-confidence can help you reduce your stress and improve your mental health. Simply put, looking good helps you feel good! Dental bridges give you back a big, broad smile you’ll have no trouble showing off in any situation.
2. Fixing teeth improves articulation
Teeth are an important part of forming the necessary mouth shapes to create words and sounds. Your lips and tongue contact your teeth while you speak—probably more than you realize if you’re not actively thinking about it while speaking. Dental bridges help restore your ability to create those mouth shapes.
People who have lost a tooth (or multiple teeth) may find it more difficult to pronounce certain words, or might start to experience a lisp. The only reliable way of getting your articulation back to where it was before is to address the tooth loss, and dental bridges are the best way of doing this. Expect to see a noticeable improvement to your articulation with a full set of pearly whites.
3. Chewing becomes easier
Tooth loss can make it more difficult for you to eat certain foods, especially if you have multiple teeth missing. You might even begin to experience some pain while eating particular foods, as teeth attempt to shift food toward the open area in your mouth or as food comes into contact with gums where teeth would normally be.
Dental bridges help you prevent this pain while eating, and make it easier for you to chew all of your favorite foods once again. Without a bridge, it becomes easy to lose all pleasure in eating, and that’s just no way to live! Get back to enjoying your favorite foods, one bite at a time.
4. Avoid jaw pain caused by misalignments
The roots of your teeth don’t just hold your teeth down by themselves—your teeth are also held in place by other teeth surrounding them. If you experience tooth loss, some of your other teeth might start to move toward those open areas, which is bad for your facial structure and could result in jaw pain.
Dental bridges are the best way to prevent shifting teeth that can cause additional tooth loss and jaw pain. This is especially important to consider if you’ve had previous orthodontal work done to repair or maintain the shape and structure of your smile.
5. Maintain facial structure and avoid bone loss
Your teeth have roots that extend below the surface of the gums. This is what keeps them in place, and what keeps your mouth and jawbone in proper alignment. If you lose teeth, you’ll no longer have the stimulation in the bone cells created by tooth roots, which could lead to deterioration of the jawbone.
The more your jawbone deteriorates, the more at risk you are for additional tooth loss and a collapse of your facial structure. Dental bridges help you avoid these issues!
Learn more about dental bridges
Interested in learning more about the benefits of dental bridges for people who are missing teeth? We encourage you to contact Dr. McCune at Creekside Dental in Buffalo Grove. Schedule your consultation today, or browse www.creeksidedental.com for more information about the cosmetic dental services we offer.