Dental Bridges
Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section of missing teeth. Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth.
There are several types of fixed dental bridges (cannot be removed), including conventional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges and resin-bonded bridges. Some bridges are removable and can be cleaned by the wearer; others need to be removed by a dentist.
Porcelain, gold alloys or combinations of materials are usually used to make bridge appliances.
Appliances called implant bridges are attached to an area below the gum tissue, or the bone.
Who Is A Candidate For A Dental Bridge?
Our dental team will assess your teeth to determine if a fixed bridge is suitable for you. The bridge will be carefully positioned over two adjacent teeth to ensure a perfect fit and secure placement. Typically, larger bridges tend to be less stable. In the event that we find the bridge alone may not provide sufficient stability, we may suggest using implants to support it.
What happens during a dental bridge procedure?
To begin the procedure, we will apply a local anesthetic to numb a specific area of your mouth. Following that, we will shape and file down the surrounding teeth to create enough space for the new fixed bridge. Impressions will be taken during this process to create both a temporary and permanent bridge. Once the shaping and filing are complete, you will leave with the temporary bridge in place. To have the permanent bridge installed, you will need to schedule a second appointment. During this appointment, the temporary bridge will be removed and the permanent one will be securely placed using a dental-grade adhesive. We will then polish the bridge and make any necessary adjustments. Additionally, we will provide you with instructions on how to properly care for the bridge through brushing and flossing to ensure its longevity.