A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.
There are several types of bridges. You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your particular case. The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. This type of bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years; however, they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.
Reasons for a fixed bridge:
- Fill the space of missing teeth.
- Maintain facial shape.
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
- Restore chewing and speaking ability.
- Restore your smile.
- Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.
What Does Getting A Fixed Bridge Involve?
Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits. While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of the enamel to allow for a crown. Next, a highly accurate impression (mold) is made, which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for several weeks until your next appointment.
At the second visit, your permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit. Occasionally, your dentist may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to get used to the new bridge. The new bridge will be permanently cemented at a later time.
You will receive care instructions at the conclusion of the procedure. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge.
Missing Teeth, Bridges, & Your Options
At South Suburban Family Dental in Blue Island, IL, replacing a missing tooth is a conversation our doctor takes seriously because the consequences of leaving a gap untreated extend well beyond the visible space in the smile. When a tooth goes unreplaced, the neighboring teeth gradually begin drifting toward the empty space, the opposing tooth loses its biting partner and starts to over-erupt, and the overall bite relationship becomes progressively less stable over time. These changes are slow and often painless in the early stages, which is why many patients underestimate how significant an unreplaced missing tooth can become over a period of years. A dental bridge addresses all of these consequences simultaneously by restoring the missing tooth, maintaining proper spacing, and reestablishing a balanced, functional bite.
Our doctor presents every tooth replacement option available to each patient honestly and without pressure. For some patients, a fixed bridge is the most practical and appropriate solution based on the condition of the neighboring teeth, the location of the missing tooth, and the patient’s overall oral health and goals. For others, a dental implant may be the better long-term investment, as it replaces the tooth root as well as the visible crown and does not require alteration of the adjacent healthy teeth. Both options are discussed openly, so every patient at South Suburban Family Dental leaves the consultation with a clear, complete understanding of what is available and what each approach involves before any decision is made.