It goes without saying that replacing missing teeth can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile. But you may not know that living with one or more missing teeth can have serious negative consequences. It can impact the way you chew food and even the way you speak. If you’re missing just a single tooth, other remaining teeth will shift in place to fill in the gap, and that can throw your bite off. When your bite is misaligned, it can lead to a sore jaw and even TMJ disorder, which is a condition that results from an inflammation and irritation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that connects your jawbone to your skull. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to replace missing teeth, and one way to do that is with a dental bridge. That’s why Dr. Mobley offers dental bridges as one of the many services she provides to patients in the Austin, TX area.
Important Information about Dental Bridges
Bridges have been a popular means of replacing missing teeth for many years. It’s no wonder that these relatively simple dental appliances are so common: they work well, and they are easy for the patient to maintain. A bridge consists of one or more porcelain crowns set into a metal frame with brackets on each end. The brackets are attached to the patient’s existing natural teeth and hold the appliance firmly in place. Today’s dental bridges can be made to very closely match the shade of the patient’s natural teeth, so they’re virtually undetectable by other people.
Two Types of Dental Bridges
Generally speaking, there are two different types of dental bridges available to patients: the type that is removable by the patient and the type that is not, which is called a “fixed bridge.” There are advantages to each different style. Some patients prefer a removable bridge that can be taken out for cleaning; while others feel that a fixed bridge is a more permanent option. Dr. Mobley can help you decide which one is the best choice for you.
Contact Us Today
To find out more about our dental services, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Megan Mobley, contact our Austin, TX office today.
