NavigationDental Bridges
Each of your teeth plays an important role in speaking, chewing and maintaining the proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss can have a major impact on your appearance, oral health, and confidence. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.
Dental Bridge Options
A bridge attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges), or they can be removable.
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. Such activities can be greatly impaired by tooth loss. Fixed bridgesare a great way to replace missing teeth, restoring your dental health and appearance.
What exactly is a bridge or fixed partial denture?
A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device which fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are applied by placing crowns on the abutment teeth and bonding a new tooth or teeth between the two. Such bridges can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges are attached between teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments, and, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.
Why do I need a bridge?
Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older. A bridge can correct this by supporting your lips and cheeks. Missing teeth also increase your risk of gum disease and can cause frustrating speech impediments.
Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful problems.
How is a bridge attached?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment Dr. Sporborg 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, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a 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.
What materials are used?
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metal.
How do I take care of my bridge?
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.
