BRIDGES

Bridges have been around as long as dentistry has been around. The desire to replace missing teeth is a great one.

A bridge is a replacement tooth or teeth that are held in place by attaching it to existing teeth, usually with fixed attachment. The tooth or teeth that are replaced are made to function just like the teeth that were there originally.

Fixed bridges are made by either placing crowns on the adjacent teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the adjacent teeth. Removable bridges, also known as partial dentures, are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments. For information on removable bridges click here.

If you're missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. When you have missing teeth, it's difficult to eat, talk or smile. Missing teeth can and should be replaced; if not, the opposing teeth and the adjacent teeth will move into the space left by the missing ones. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.

Why Do 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.

How Is A Bridge Attached?

The attachment, or cementation, procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment, the doctor will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.

Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, an impression of the teeth or a digital scan is taken and sent to the lab where the bridge will be constructed.

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.