Bridges

What Is A Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge, a device used to replace missing teeth, attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached or they can be removable. Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. They also offer more stability than their removable counterparts. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments and can be taken out and cleaned.

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.

What Are The Advantages Of Dental Bridges?

• Restores your smile
• Restores your ability to properly chew and speak
• Distributes the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
• Prevents remaining teeth from drifting out of position

Why Do I Need A Dental Bridge?

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 as a team for many daily functions from eating to speaking. A dental bridge can also help support your lips and cheeks, as the loss of a posterior tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to appear older. Ultimately, dental health is the most important reason to have a dental bridge installed. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing causing a number of potentially harmful disorders. Missing teeth can and should be replaced and dental bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.

How Is A Bridge Attached?

The attachment procedure usually takes two appointments to complete. At the first appointment the doctor will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap (known as the abutment teeth). Preparation involves recontouring these teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them. Next, impressions of your teeth are made, which serve as a model from which the bridge will be made by a dental laboratory. The doctor will then make a temporary bridge for you to wear to protect the exposed teeth and gums while your bridge is being made.
 
During the second visit, your temporary bridge will be removed and the new permanent bridge will be checked and adjusted, as necessary, to achieve a proper fit. At this time Dr. Williams will also use a Tekscan device to ensure that a proper bite alignment has been achieved.

How Do I Take Care Of My Bridge?

A strict regiment of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge clean as well as your surrounding teeth. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.