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Dental Bridges

If you lose teeth as you age, they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.

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 (fixed bridges), or they can be removable.

What Dental Bridge Options Do I Have?

Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.

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 for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it’s difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.

What Is A Bridge Or Fixed Partial Denture?

A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device which fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional.

Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.

Why Do I Need A Bridge?

Oral functionality and appearance are the main reasons to have a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth can cause your jaw to sink and your face to look older.

Teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders.

Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge.

Missing teeth can cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.

How Is A Bridge Attached?

Attaching a bridge usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment, Dr. Bienstock will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.

An impressions of your teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.

Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.

What Materials Are Used?

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.

How Do I Care For My Bridge?

A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support. Routine dental cleanings are also a great way to ensure professionals keep the area clean.

New to Our Office?

We’re excited to welcome you! Your first visit includes a full dental exam, gentle cleaning, and time to talk with the doctor about any questions or concerns. Whether it’s been six months or six years since your last appointment, we’ll meet you where you are with absolutely no judgment.