Bridges
Why do we need to replace missing teeth?
Placing a bridge after teeth have been lost can prevent
a chain reaction of problems that could affect your entire
mouth. Teeth
need each other for support, and when one or more teeth
are lost, the biting forces on the teeth next to the space
will change,
causing the teeth to shift. Because the teeth on the opposite
arch no longer have anything to chew against, they may
begin to extrude out of the socket. You can eventually
end up losing them too.
As your bite changes, it gets harder and harder to chew
your food, and your jaw joint, called the TMJ, may be
damaged. It’s also much harder to clean teeth that
have shifted. Harmful plaque and tartar collect in new
hard-to-reach places created by shifting teeth, causing
cavities and the permanent bone loss that comes with gum
disease.
Restoring stability with
a dental bridge
A dental bridge is an excellent way to replace one or
more missing teeth and restore stability to your mouth.
Like all bridges, a dental bridge needs abutments to hold
it in place, and to provide support. A dental bridge is
attached to the teeth next to the space, and those teeth
act as supportive abutments. We prepare your teeth and
from impressions make models of your mouth. Your bridge
is then carefully crafted in a dental laboratory to fit
your teeth precisely. missing tooth can certainly alter
your appearance, but a bridge is a good way to get your
beautiful smile back.
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 |
 |
| Shifting teeth cause problems |
A bridge maintains proper
alignment |
A restored smile |
Gold Bridges
Replacing a missing tooth with a bridge requires
two or more appointments. During the first appointment,
we prepare your teeth,
create an impression of your teeth, and place a temporary
bridge. The impression gives us an accurate working model
of your mouth and allows us to re-create your natural
bite. A dental laboratory uses the model to fabricate
a bridge that will fit your teeth precisely. During your
final appointment, we replace the temporary bridge with
the new gold bridge.
The first visit
We want the entire procedure of getting a bridge to be
comfortable for you, so first we make sure that your mouth
is thoroughly numb. To prepare your teeth for the bridge,
we remove any decay and use the dental handpiece to shape
the teeth precisely. To help us make a more accurate impression,
we may put a small piece of string in the space between
your teeth and gums. We use this string to gently push
the gums away from your teeth. Finally, we place a temporary
bridge, which you will wear while the laboratory creates
your custom bridge.
The second visit
During your second and final visit, we remove the temporary
bridge and try in your new bridge. We check the fit and
your bite, and when everything looks good, we cement your
new gold bridge in place.
 |
 |
| Fabricated on models |
Seated gold bridge |
Porcelain Bridges
Replacing a missing tooth with a bridge requires two or
more appointments. During the first appointment, we prepare
your teeth, create an impression of your teeth, and place
a temporary bridge. The impression gives us an accurate
working model of your mouth and allows us to re-create
your natural bite. A dental laboratory uses the model
to fabricate a bridge that will fit your teeth precisely.
During your final appointment, we replace the temporary
bridge with the new porcelain bridge.
The first visit
We want the entire procedure of getting a bridge to be
comfortable for you, so first we make sure that your mouth
is thoroughly numb. To prepare your teeth for the bridge,
we remove any decay and use the dental handpiece to shape
the teeth precisely. To help us make a more accurate impression,
we may put a small piece of string in the space between
your teeth and gums. We use this string to gently push
the gums away from your teeth. Finally, we place a temporary
bridge, which you will wear while the laboratory creates
your custom bridge.
The second visit
During your final visit, we remove the temporary bridge
and try in your new bridge. We check the fit and your
bite, and when everything looks good, we cement your new
porcelain bridge in place.
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 |
| A porcelain bridge |
Bridges stabilize |
