Bridges

A Stable Solution that Renews Your Smile

If you've lost teeth due to accident, injury, or gum disease, we can create a permanent 'bridge' to replace the missing teeth. Not only does a bridge fill the missing space, thereby preventing movement of remaining teeth, but it also corrects an altered bite, improves chewing ability and speech, and supports facial structures to preserve your appearance.

So what's a fixed bridge actually like? Well, the bridge is permanently joined onto the neighboring 'abutment' teeth on either side of the toothless area and consists of two basic units: the false tooth or teeth (called pontics) and abutment crowns. The most appropriate type depends on the strength and health of those neighboring teeth, as well as the location of the missing teeth in relation to the rest of your dentition. If healthy adjacent 'anchor' teeth aren't available, a dental 'implant' may be an alternate choice. We evaluate your particular situation for the choice that's right for you!

Types of Bridges

A dental bridge attaches the falseteeth (pontics) to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. This bridge acts as your new teeth, closing the gap and restoring your smile. Bridges are often constructed of metal foundations with porcelain fused to the foundation. This ensures that the bridge will support the normal functions of the mouth and give a natural appearance.

There are three main types of bridges:

• Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between. Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge and are made of either porcelain fused to metal or all porcelain.
• Cantilever bridges replace one tooth and are only supported on one side. There are very limited uses for a cantilevered bridge.
• Maryland bonded bridges (also called a resin-bonded bridge) are made of porcelain teeth supported by a metal framework that is bonded to the adjacent teeth. Again, this type of bridge can only be used in certain cases.

Procedure

The procedure begins with preparation of the natural teeth, or abutments. We then take an impression of the area. This impression will be sent to our lab where your new restoration will be crafted by skilled technicians. While this new tooth is created, we will provide you with a temporary bridge that will resemble the finished product and let you "test drive" your new bridge and give you chewing comfort and confidence in your smile.

At your second visit to the office, we will place your final restoration. This bridge will be fitted comfortably into the mouth and secured with dental adhesive. We will make every effort to ensure that the new bridge feels exactly like your natural teeth allowing you to enjoy your beautifully restored smile.