When you lose a tooth you should talk to your dentist about replacement options right away. Otherwise, you could experience a number of complications for your oral health and appearance. Fortunately, we have multiple dental prosthetic options to help restore your smile to full function and health. Do you need a bridge or a partial denture to replace your missing teeth? What’s the difference between these two prosthetics?
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge consists of a replacement tooth, or pontic, with dental crowns attached to end each. We prepare the natural teeth on either side of the gap in the smile. We place the crowns on the prepared teeth, which anchors the new tooth in place. We can use this option to replace one to three teeth in a row.
Partial Denture
A partial denture can replace multiple lost teeth that are spread out across an arch. The prosthetic contains replacement teeth, a thin base that resembles natural gum tissue, and metal clasps that attach to natural teeth and hold the new teeth securely in place.
How Does Tooth Loss Impact Our Smiles?
When we lose multiple teeth can have trouble eating and communicating clearly. In addition, the gaps in the smile can cause teeth to drift from their positions, leading to misalignment. An uneven smile can make thorough homecare difficult, leading to an increase in the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. If you have any questions about tooth replacement or our dental prosthetics, then please contact our office today.
Visit Our Office in Baxter, MN!
Dr. Clinton L. Roberts and the friendly staff at Greenhaven Family Dental are happy to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile with a comprehensive approach to general dentistry. With years of training and experience in dental sleep medicine, Dr. Roberts is also adept at helping patients treat snoring and sleep apnea so they can rest more easily (and quietly). To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call our office in Baxter, MN, today at (218) 454-0523. We proudly welcome patients from Brainerd, Little Falls, Staples, Crosby-Ironton-Deerwood, and all surrounding communities.