What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges help restore the functionality and aesthetics of your smile, maintaining the structure of your face and preventing other teeth from shifting out of position. Traditional dental bridges consist of one or more pontics which are held in place by dental crowns. This prosthesis is permanently cemented onto the abutment teeth.
Why would a dental bridge be needed?
- Restore chewing function
- Improve speech
- Prevent teeth from shifting
- Maintain facial structure
- Improve aesthetic appearance
- Prevent bite problems
- As an alternative to dentures or implants
Who is a candidate for a dental bridge?
The ideal candidate for a dental bridge is someone who has one or more missing teeth, with healthy adjacent teeth to support the bridge. Good oral hygiene and gum health are essential for long-term success. Additionally, a dental bridge is often recommended for those who prefer a non-surgical option for tooth replacement or are not good candidates for dental implants. A thorough examination by a dentist is necessary to determine if a bridge is the best solution for each individual.
What happens during the appointment?
Our doctor will administer a local anesthetic to make the appointment more comfortable for you. The teeth surrounding the missing tooth area will be sized down appropriately so that there is enough room for new restoration. We use an intraoral scanner to create a digital impression file to fabricate a permanent bridge. You will go home with a temporary bridge that will prevent teeth shifting.When you come back for a second appointment , a permanent bridge will be seated with medical grade adhesive. We will teach you how to take care of your new bridge so it can last many years for you.