What is a Bridge?
A bridge is a dental appliance that replaces one or more natural teeth, thereby " bridging" the gap or space that exists when a tooth is lost. Bridges are cemented into pace using the teeth on either side of the existing space. Unlike removable partial dentures a bridge can not be taken out of the mouth by the patient. If a natural tooth does not exist on both sides of the space where a bridge is required an implant may be used to anchor the bridge into place.

Why Replace a Missing Tooth?
Often when a tooth is missing the other teeth in the area will drift and move out of position. These teeth become more susceptible to decay and gum disease. A missing tooth can alter your speech, decrease your chewing ability and change your facial appearance.

Procedure
To construct a bridge it usually takes 2 or more appointments. The teeth to be treated are numbed with a local anesthetic. During this preparation appointment the teeth on either side of the bridge are trimmed down to allow sufficient space for the bridge to fit. An impression of the mouth is made and your teeth are covered with a cosmetically pleasing temporary bridge.

At the following appointment the temporary bridge is removed and the fit of the porcelain bridge is adjusted. This bridge is then attached with an adhesive, the area cleaned and polished.

How Long Will It Last?
Your bridge needs special care and its life span is directly related to the care you give it. You will be instructed in detail on how to clean and care for your bridge. With proper care this type of structure should last you 20+ years or more. If you don't take special care of the bridge the teeth holding it in place can still decay or get periodontal disease, which will shorten the life of the bridge.

There are three types of dental bridges:

Traditional Fixed Bridge
A dental bridge is a false tooth, known as a potic, which is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth. There two crowns holding it in place that is attached onto your teeth on each side of the false tooth. This is known as a fixed bridge. This procedure is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Fixed bridges cannot be taken out of your mouth as you might do with removable partial dentures.



Resin Bonded Bridges
The resin bonded is primarily used for your front teeth. Less expensive, this bridge is best used when the abutment teeth are healthy and don't have large fillings. The false tooth is fused to metal bands that are bonded to the abutment teeth with a resin which is hidden from view. This type of bridge reduces the amount of preparation on the adjacent teeth.


Cantilever Bridges
In areas of your mouth that are under less stress, such as your front teeth, a cantilever bridge may be used. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the open space. This procedure involves anchoring the false tooth to one side over one or more natural and adjacent teeth.



Implant Restorations
Missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants which are surgically placed by the specialists. Once the implants are stable in their position, we would place a permanent restoration, which may be a crown or a bridge. Implant restorations are usually very comfortable to the patients.

How do I set up an appointment to be fitted for a bridge?
Please call our office to schedule an appointment or schedule an appointment online. If you have any additional questions, we will be more than happy to answer them for you.