Teeth can be lost in a number of circumstances. In some cases it may be a road accident or even a sporting accident. It may just be due to a lack of oral hygiene and tooth decay or gum disease has caused the destruction of the tooth. However you have lost the tooth, a smile with missing teeth is never really a healthy or attractive look and will add years to your appearance. There are also many health reasons why it is important to replace missing teeth with a dental substitution.
There are a number of options to replace missing teeth. Dental implants involve using small screws anchored into the jawbone, which are very solid but also quite costly. Partial dentures are another option but van often feel very bulky and may limit what it is possible to eat. One of the most common restorations is a dental bridge. Dental bridges are secured on either side of the missing tooth or teeth by a couple of dental crowns, or if the teeth are in very good condition, with resin bonded strips. A Bath dentist will be able to advise which is the most suitable type of dental bridge at an initial appointment.
Dental bridges replace all the part of the tooth visible above the gum to restore the appearance of a full dental arc and also to replace the lost support for the facial structure. They also prevent the other teeth leaning into the vacant space, which can cause misalignment and nasty jaw conditions. A dental bridge can last up to twenty years if it is properly maintained and cleaned like your other teeth. Your dentist will give you tips on how best to care for any dental restoration work you may have.
Dr Gerrard is a Bristol based Cosmetic dentist with many years of experience and is one of only a small number of dentists accredited by The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
