Dental Bridges
If you have one or more missing teeth, a dental bridge could be the solution to restoring your smile. This fixed dental prosthetic literally bridges the gap where the teeth are missing. Dental bridges are made up of the false tooth/teeth, called the pontic, that is anchored to abutment teeth. At our office, the pontic can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
- Restore your smile (in appearance and function)
- Regain your ability to chew and speak properly
- Prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of position into the gap
- Maintain the shape of the face
- Distribute biting forces properly
There are three types of bridges. The type that your dentist selects to use will depend on the location of the gap in the teeth.
Procedure
Having a bridge placed normally takes at least two appointments. During the first, the abutment teeth will be prepared. This involves the procedure for placing a crown – the abutment teeth will have a portion of the enamel removed to allow room for the crown to be placed. Impressions of the teeth will then be made, the abutment teeth as well as the gap. A dental lab will use these impressions to create the bridge, pontic, and crowns. A temporary bridge will be placed to protect the prepared teeth and gums.
You will return to the dentist once the bridge has been completed. The temporary bridge will be removed, and the permanent bridge will be placed in the mouth to check for the proper fit. Adjustments will be made until the fit is just right. It may take multiple visits to ensure the fit of the metal framework and bite. Fixed bridges may be temporarily cemented into place to make sure that it fits properly. Once the fit is achieved, the bridge can be cemented into place.
Dental bridges can last five to fifteen years. With good care, bridges can be expected to last over ten years.
Having missing teeth can be very inconvenient. If you’re ready for a dental solution, give us a call.
