From Gaps to Grins: 7 Reasons a Dental Bridge Could Be Your Smile’s Best Friend

A dental bridge is a device that closes the space left by one or several missing teeth. It securely anchors artificial teeth (pontic) to the nearby teeth or dental implants. Dental bridges successfully close the toothless gap, restoring aesthetics and jaw function. 

Dental bridges are more than getting your teeth back. Patients enjoy benefits they never expected. 

1. Natural outcomes: Dental bridges are like an extension of the existing teeth. They fill the gaps with beautiful, lifelike teeth that blend in seamlessly. Whether smiling, eating, or speaking, no one will know you ever had a missing tooth.
2. Improved chewing: Whether missing a single tooth or several, it can seriously affect your ability to bite and chew properly. Suddenly, crunchy veggies, chewy fruits, and hearty nuts are off the menu—replaced by soft, bland alternatives. But it doesn’t have to be that way. A dental bridge restores your chewing strength, helping you reclaim the freedom to enjoy the nutritious, satisfying foods you love.
3. Speak clearly: Missing teeth, especially those in the front, can distort your speech. Dental bridges fill these gaps, allowing you to speak without lisping, whistling, or slurring speech. 
4.  Prevent teeth from shifting: Teeth are like dominos. When one is removed, the neighboring teeth drift into the edentulous space. As you’d expect, this shifting leads to bite problems and misalignment. A bridge fills the toothless gaps and keeps everything where it should be.
5. Easy maintenance: New teeth don’t mean you change how you maintain your oral health. Keeping dental bridges in excellent shape doesn’t involve complicated routines. Brush and floss your bridge the same way you do for natural teeth. In addition, visit your Sacramento dentist semi-annually for routine cleanings and check-ups. 
6. Durability: Dental bridges are created to last. Patients can enjoy their bridges for 10-plus years with good care. Bridges even last longer when reinforced with dental implants. 
7. Maintains facial shape: Your teeth do more than help you chew or keep your smile beautiful. They are critical in supporting your facial structure. Cheeks can sink in without them, creating an old, sunken appearance. A bridge helps maintain your natural face shape for a more youthful look.