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Bridges
Missing one or more teeth will make you particularly self-conscious. Missing teeth not only make it difficult to chew and work together, but cause the nearby teeth to tilt into the empty space. Teeth above or below the space may shift up or down into it as well.
This can affect your bite and place unusual stress on your teeth.
Trying to compensate by chewing on one side causes extra stress on your jaw joints which may bring the onset of TMJ disorder which has also been shown to cause headaches. This "dominoe falling" affect of missing teeth may also involve the shrinking of the jawbone which can change how the lips or teeth are fundamentally supported. Teeth that have tipped or drifted are often difficult to clean. This makes them suseptible to tooth decay and gum disease.
In the long run, more teeth may be lost.
Call 269-683-6461 today to begin your Pathway to a Healthy Smile.
Are there different types of bridges?
Yes. See our page on implants.
Dental implants attach artificial teeth directly into the jaw. Because surgery is required, candidates for dental implants should have good general health and have adequate jawbone to support an implant. For some patients, implants are great to preserve the jawbone where teeth have been lost.