What Are Dental Bridges?

As an alternative to dentures or dental implants, dental bridges can be used as a treatment option to replace missing teeth or for teeth that need to be extracted. A bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace a missing tooth by joining an artificial tooth permanently to adjacent teeth or dental implants. In this case, adjacent teeth will be covered with dental crowns and the artificial tooth will be attached to these crowns.


Why do I need a Dental Bridge?

When a tooth is lost, it causes an abnormal distribution of biting forces on the remaining teeth. Due to this, the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth begin to shift. This changes how your upper and lower teeth work against each other while you are eating. Teeth also help support your lips and cheeks. Having a missing tooth also affects your appearance.

For example: if you look a front tooth, it prevents you from smiling and being confident, as you are always conscious of your appearance. If you loose your back teeth, then your cheeks sink and give your face an older look. 

Teeth also play an important role in speech. They help you speak clearly. Missing front teeth will affect the pronunciation of certain words. If you loose a tooth, a dental bridge will help restore both the appearance and function of your mouth.

Replacement of missing teeth in a timely manner will prevent additional procedures to correct the change in alignment of adjacent teeth.

 

How long does it take to get a Dental Bridge?

The procedure takes two to three appointment from start to finish. At first appointment, the adjacent teeth (supporting teeth) are reduced to an appropriate size and shape. Followed by that, an impression will be taken to record the teeth and send to the lab for creation. A temporary bridge will be fabricated and cemented in place.

The impression is sent to the lab for the lab technician to fabricate a custom dental bridge, which fits your teeth accurately. At the second or third appointment, the permanent bridge is evaluated for proper fit and fixed to your teeth using dental cement.

What materials are used to make a Dental Bridge?

Bridges can be made of different alloys and porcelain:

  • Gold Alloys
  • Porcelain layer fused to a metal core
  • All porcelain


 

 

How do I take care of my Dental Bridge?

Below are some of the recommended after care steps for your dental bridge:

  • Make sure you brush and floss your teeth a minimum of two times per day
  • Floss using a dental bridge threader provided to you after treatment- Make sure you get up under the bridge for best results
  • Try consuming softer foods and cutting down larger pieces to start with until you are fully comfortable with your new dental bridge

Before you leave from treatment, Dr. E will go over additional proper care techniques to help you fit your maintenance care into your daily regime. At any time, after treatment, if you have questions, please feel free to contact us directly.

 

What Is The Cost To Have  A Dental Bridge Treatment?

Dental bridge treatments are going to differ in cost because they are customized to your current oral state. To get a better idea of fees and payment options, feel free to contact us directly or schedule your appointment online today to speak with Dr. E in person.