Do you have a missing tooth? Your dentist can help. A dental bridge is when two crowns are placed on either side of a missing tooth, and a false tooth is placed in the middle.  

Given that there are many natural colors available for you to choose from, a false tooth can look just like all of your other teeth, and no one will be able to tell the difference.

But dental bridges go beyond making your smile more aesthetically pleasing—they actually serve an important functional role as well. Here are six things that you need to know about dental bridges.

1. The Health of Your Other Teeth Matters

Dental bridges are usually not recommended to people that have damage to their surrounding teeth because the bridge requires a strong, healthy structure to uphold the false tooth. If you feel your dental health might not be the best, there are still other options. Your dentist will likely recommend a dental implant instead, which can help you to fill in any gaps.

2. Restores Functionality

Some people struggle to form words or chew tough foods due to having missing teeth. A dental bridge can give you full function back so that you can eat a wider variety of foods and not feel self-conscious when you are speaking to other people.

3. They Can Last a Long Time

With the proper dental care, you can expect a dental bridge to last over a decade, making it well worth the initial investment. 

4. Short Recovery

Unlike dental implants, which can take months to recover from, a dental bridge doesn't require any sort of invasive surgery. In fact, you can usually adjust to a dental bridge within a matter of weeks.

5. Cosmetic 

Missing teeth can cause your face to look misshapen when your mouth is closed, and the gaps can be noticeable when you are talking, eating, or smiling. As such, a dental bridge can help you to feel more confident in your appearance.

6. Keep Your Teeth in Line

Many dental issues can be prevented by keeping your teeth from migrating to new locations. A dental bridge can keep your teeth in line so that you can maintain a strong bite.

Overall, dental bridges are a great option if you have missing teeth, and the procedure has a short recovery time. If you would like to learn more, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.