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Bridges

What is a bridge?

A bridge can replace a missing tooth and restore your smile, as well as maintain oral health. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth on each side of the missing tooth, and therefore, must be altered to adhere the bridge. For that reason, the health of these teeth and gums is critical in order to support the bridge and the chewing forces it must withstand.

Implants may also be used as anchoring teeth. Implants must first be placed and allowed a minimum of three months to stabilize before restored with a dental bridge.

Why is a bridge necessary?

One or more missing teeth can adversely affect the appearance and function of your teeth. Missing teeth can cause a change in occlusion (bite), shifting of the teeth, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), speech impediments, an increased risk for periodontal (gum) disease and a greater chance of tooth decay.

Advantages

Restore your smile
Restore your ability to properly chew and speak
Maintain the shape of your face
Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position

The procedure

First, the involved teeth are altered and an impression is taken. From this impression, the laboratory can re-create your own natural bite in order to fabricate a bridge with a custom fit and look to match your teeth. While waiting for your custom bridge to arrive from the lab, a temporary bridge will be placed to protect your newly altered teeth and to prevent your gum tissue from covering them.

Once your bridge arrives, about two weeks later, the temporary bridge is easily removed and the permanent bridge is securely bonded to the appropriate teeth. At this time you will be shown how to use floss to thoroughly clean under and around the bridge.

For implants, after the three month waiting period, an impression will be taken and the lab will fabricate a custom bridge. For more information about dental implants, click here.