Everyone wants a full, healthy smile. In addition to improving your look, replacing missing teeth can make sure that your remaining teeth do not shift into an improper alignment, and can keep bacteria and plaque out of the empty spaces on your gums.

Many people have benefitted from dental implants. After all, they are sturdy, they look natural and they can be brushed and flossed just like your natural teeth. However, some people do not have enough jawbone or the healthy gums needed to support implants, and some medications and medical conditions may mean that they are not a good candidate. Dentures are another solution, but they can trigger the gag reflex in some people, while others do not like the feel of dentures in their mouth.

Dental bridges are an easy way to improve your smile. They do not require surgery, and most people’s mouths are fully capable of supporting a bridge. They are also much less bulky than dentures.

To place a dental bridge, the dentist will a drill to reduce the size of the teeth on each end of the gap of your smile. In many cases, the dentist will remove the enamel from the teeth, leaving the dentin pillar. Those pillars will serve as the support for dental crowns, that will hold the bridge in place. The dentist will take an impression of the area and send that impression to a dental lab, which will craft your permanent bridge. When that bridge is ready, your dentist will place it, and your permanent crowns in your mouth.

For your crowns to hold support your bridge, you will need to continue to maintain your regular routine of brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. If you develop gum disease, it your crowns could become unstable.

If you need one or more teeth replaced, you should take time to explore all of your options. Our dentist, Dr. Tyler Christopherson at Christopherson Family Dentistry will be happy to give you an exam and recommend a replacement method. If you live in the Stevens Point, Wisconsin area and would like to make an appointment at our office, call 715-952-5920 today.