It isn’t a good idea to leave gaps in your mouth where teeth are missing, as this can cause other teeth to shift. There are a few different options for replacing any missing teeth you may have, including dental bridges in Arlington TX. Understanding the pros and cons of this procedure may help you decide whether or not it’s right for you.
Cost-Effective
If you’re on a relatively tight budget, dental bridges are less expensive than dental implants, which is the other main way to replace missing teeth. Because they’re so much less expensive, in many cases dental insurance will cover dental bridges but not dental implants, so check with your insurance company before making any decisions.
No Bone Grafting Needed
With dental implants, people sometimes need bone grafts to help support the implant if they’ve experienced some bone loss in their jaws. This isn’t the case with dental bridges in Arlington TX since dental bridges attach to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth.
Faster Method for Replacing Teeth
Dental bridges are also a much faster way for you to replace a tooth. A dental implant takes multiple visits and sometimes oral surgery, making the whole process typically take months before healing is complete, while a dental bridge typically only takes weeks.
May Eventually Need Replacing
Dental bridges aren’t considered a lifelong solution. They will most likely need to be replaced at some point, unlike dental implants. This is especially the case with Maryland bridges and cantilevered bridges, which aren’t as strong as traditional dental bridges.
May Damage Surrounding Teeth
A dental bridge requires shaving down the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth to allow for the bridge to be applied. Then these two shaved teeth are supporting the bridge, which puts extra pressure on them, potentially causing problems with these teeth down the road.
Doesn’t Address Potential Bone Loss
When you lose a tooth, the jaw no longer has to support that tooth, so bone loss can occur. A dental implant stops this bone loss, but a dental bridge doesn’t.
Contact us to discuss your options. We can help with all your dental care needs.