Dental Bridges in Chatham MA

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 bridges are a great way to replace missing teeth, restoring your dental health and appearance.

How is a bridge attached?

The attachment procedure usually takes one or two 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, digital impressions of the teeth are made and the bridge is either made in the office or sent to a the dental 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 may be 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.