Many options are available these days for missing teeth. One popular option that has stood the test of time is the dental bridge. This system uses two crowns placed over the adjacent teeth (or dental implants) to hold a replacement tooth (known as a pontic) in place. The pontic fills in the gap left by the missing tooth and completes the biting surface.

Why is it so important to fill in spaces left by missing teeth?

For one thing, a complete smile is important in today’s society. If you are missing teeth, you have probably already noticed a difference in the way people treat you. It’s unfair, but missing and damaged teeth carry a strong stigma, and others may make unfair assumptions about everything from your personal hygiene to your intelligence. While we agree that this isn’t right, replacing the teeth is the best way to help you retain your social standing and your self-confidence.

Missing teeth also cause problems with your oral health. When other teeth shift and tilt toward the gap, it can throw your bite out of alignment. A misaligned bite is the catalyst for all kinds of dental problems, including temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ or TMD), bruxism (chronic grinding and clenching of your teeth), tooth erosion, and fractures.