Are Dental Bridges Removable?

A dental bridge is a type of dental restoration for a missing tooth, one that’s often used in place of an implant. It’s an artificial tooth that’s held in place by the surrounding teeth, which are known as abutments in dental lingo. If you’re wondering whether a dental bridge in Westlake, OH, is removable, we’ll look at how they work.

Types of Dental Bridges

The title is a bit of a trick question: dental bridges can be fixed permanently to the teeth, or they can be removable. With a fixed bridge, there are two crowns on the outside of the artificial tooth. Those crowns are secured to the teeth surrounding the missing tooth. With a removable bridge, the tooth is affixed with clasps that grip the tooth next to the missing tooth. They are more affordable, and they can be taken out and cleaned.

Which One Is Right for You?

As a general rule, if you’re able to get a more permanent solution, this is one that a dentist in Westlake, OH, will recommend. A fixed bridge may require more dental work, but the reality is that it will make your mouth whole. It will allow you better-chewing functionality than a removable bridge, and it will support your facial muscles and gums more so than the removable bridge. The caveat is that some people may not have enough healthy teeth to support the fixed bridge.

Dentists in Westlake

When there are so many options in the dental industry, seemingly straightforward questions can be anything but. If you’re looking for a dentist that can help you figure out how to move forward, visit the offices of Walter R. Below DMD and talk to our staff. We’re here to tell you more about how different solutions will affect how you eat, speak, and look.