Dental Bridge
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A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device, which fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.
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Why would I need a bridge?
Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.
Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders. Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge. Missing teeth can also cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.
How is a bridge attached?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment, we will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin. Since the bridge must be made very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and digitally send to our in-house lab where the bridge will be created.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic, (false tooth), replaces the lost tooth. Crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
Care and Follow Up:
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.
Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.
Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders. Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge. Missing teeth can also cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.
How is a bridge attached?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment, we will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin. Since the bridge must be made very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and digitally send to our in-house lab where the bridge will be created.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic, (false tooth), replaces the lost tooth. Crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
Care and Follow Up:
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.
