Three-Unit Anterior
Bridge
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 second and final visit, we remove the temporary
bridge and try in your new bridge. We check the fit and
your bite, and wheneverything looks good, we cement your
new porcelain bridge in place.
 |
 |
 |
| Impressions are made |
Fabricated on models |
A restored mouth |
Maryland Bridge
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 Maryland 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. 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 Maryland bridge in place.
 |
 |
|
| Missing teeth cause problems |
The bridge is placed |
A restored mouth |
Caring for Your Bridge
The success of a dental bridge depends on the health of
the adjacent teeth and gums. To care for your bridge,
as well as the teeth and gums that support it, brush and
floss thoroughly every time you eat.
Superfloss and floss threaders
At first, it may be challenging to keep your bridge and
the adjacent gums and teeth plaque-free, but superfloss
and floss threaders can dramatically improve the effectiveness
of your homecare routine. Superfloss is a special kind
of dental floss that comes in pre-cut segments. Each end
of the segment is thin and stiff, which allows you to
thread it through tight areas. The midsection of the segment
is fuzzy, so it removes plaque very well. Just insert
the superfloss under your bridge, and floss like you would
normally.
A floss threader has one thin, stiff end and a loop through
which you can thread dental floss. It helps you insert
floss into tight spots
between your teeth and bridge. Thread the floss through
the loop of the threader, and then insert the stiff end
between your teeth or under your bridge. Pull until the
floss is between your teeth or under your bridge, remove
the floss threader from your mouth, and then use the dental
floss as you normally would. Depending on the situation,
we may recommend additional tools and techniques to help
keep all the areas around your bridge plaque-free. At
first, it may seem a little awkward to clean under your
new bridge, but it will soon become a normal part of your
daily routine.
 |
 |
|
| The bridge is placed |
Superfloss |
A beautiful new smile! |
