Bridges

A bridge is an excellent way to replace a missing tooth and keep a good-looking smile. A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by attaching to the teeth on either side of the empty space. Bridges are vital in protecting not only the balance of your bite and chewing motion, but the integrity of your facial features as well. A person who leaves missing teeth unattended may permanently alter the shape and contour of his or her face. Bridges easily restore not only the balance of the mouth, but typically look and feel as natural as your own teeth.

What is a Dental Bridge?

If you're missing one or more teeth, you may notice a difference in chewing and speaking. There are options to help restore your smile. A bridge is used as a permanent replacement for one or more missing teeth. It is both aesthetic and functional, restoring your natural bite and preventing unwanted movement of the adjacent teeth (tipping and falling) and over eruption of the opposing tooth. Bridges help maintain the shape of your face, as well as alleviating the stress in your bite by replacing missing teeth. Unlike a removable bridge, which you can take out and clean, a fixed bridge can only be removed by a dentist.

Why Replace a Missing Tooth?

Teeth need each other for support. When teeth are lost or removed, the biting force changes on the teeth next to the space and the teeth begin to shift. When the opposing tooth (above or below) no longer has anything to bite against it will also begin to shift. A bridge is a very effective alternative used to replace missing teeth when implants are not an option. It requires the placement of crowns on the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth with a prosthetic tooth connected to these crowns. The prosthetic (false) tooth fills the empty space providing the look and feel of a natural tooth.

Who is a Candidate for Dental Bridges?

If you have missing teeth, good oral hygiene practices, adequate bone support, and suitable positioning of neighbouring teeth you should discuss this procedure with your dentist- you may be a candidate for a dental bridge. If spaces are left unfilled, they may cause the surrounding teeth to drift out of position. Additionally, spaces from missing teeth can cause your other teeth and your gums to become far more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.

How is a Dental Bridge accomplished?

Your dentist will prepare your teeth on either side of the space for the false tooth. You will be given a mild anesthetic to numb the area, and the dentist will remove an area of each abutment (teeth on either side of the space) to accommodate for the thickness of the crown. When these teeth already have fillings, part of the filling may be left in place to help as a foundation for the crown. The dentist will then make an impression, which will serve as the model from which the bridge, false tooth, and crowns will be made by a dental laboratory. A temporary bridge will be put in place for you to wear while your bridge is being made. This temporary bridge will serve to protect your teeth and gums, until your next visit. On your second appointment, the temporary bridge will be removed. Your new permanent bridge will be fitted and checked and adjusted for any bite discrepancies. Your new bridge will then be cemented to your teeth and is easy to care for.

How do I care for a Bridge?

With a bridge, it is more important than ever to brush, floss and see your dentist regularly. If you do not control the buildup of food debris and plaque--the sticky film of bacteria formed from food acids--your teeth and gums can become infected, requiring further treatment and resulting in possible loss of the bridge. Your dentist may also recommend using floss threaders that help remove bacteria from hard to reach spaces between the bridge and adjacent teeth and gums.

If you maintain optimal oral hygiene care, you can expect your fixed bridge to last as many as 8-10 years, or even longer.

Pros and Cons of a Dental Bridge

Advantages of Dental Bridges:

Bridges are natural in appearance, and usually require only two visits to your dentist. If you maintain good oral hygiene, your fixed bridge should last as many as ten years or more.

Disadvantages of having a Dental Bridge:

It is common for your teeth to be mildly sensitive to extreme temperatures for a few weeks after the treatment. The build up of bacteria formed from food acids on your teeth and gums can become infected if proper oral hygiene is not followed.

All Porcelain Bridges

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New all porcelain bridges allow us to replace missing teeth to enhance both function and beauty. This method/process allows us to replace missing teeth in a manner that is functional comfortably and has a natural appearance.

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