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. Porcelain fixed bridges are most popular because they resemble your natural teeth. 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 re-cementation 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 your treatment. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge.
Bridges & Tooth Replacement
At South Suburban Family Dental in Blue Island, IL, dental bridges are one of several tooth replacement options our doctor discusses honestly with every patient who has experienced tooth loss. A missing tooth is never just a cosmetic concern. When a tooth goes unreplaced, the neighboring teeth gradually drift into the empty space, the opposing tooth begins to over-erupt, and the bite relationship becomes progressively less stable over time. A well-placed bridge addresses all of these consequences simultaneously, restoring the missing tooth, maintaining proper spacing, and reestablishing a balanced bite that distributes chewing forces evenly across the arch.
Our doctor takes the time to walk every patient through their tooth replacement options clearly and without pressure, explaining the advantages and limitations of each approach so the decision made reflects a genuine understanding of what is recommended and why. For patients who are candidates for dental implants, the implant option is always presented alongside the bridge option so every patient has the full picture before making a decision.
Caring For Your Dental Bridge
A porcelain fixed bridge can last many years with consistent care and professional monitoring. Maintaining your bridge properly protects both the restoration itself and the health of the abutment teeth and gum tissue supporting it:
- Brush twice daily, cleaning all surfaces of the bridge, including the crowns on either side and the accessible surfaces of the pontic
- Use a floss threader, interdental brush, or water flosser daily to clean beneath the pontic where plaque and food debris accumulate against the gum tissue
- Attend regular professional cleanings so our hygiene team can access and clean beneath the bridge thoroughly and monitor the health of the abutment teeth and surrounding tissue over time
- Avoid chewing very hard foods directly on the bridge that could stress the abutment crowns or fracture the porcelain
If you have questions about whether a dental bridge is the right tooth replacement option for your situation, the friendly and reliable team at South Suburban Family Dental in Blue Island, IL is here to help you understand your options and make a confident, informed decision.