Dental Bridges

Preparation

We may need to prepare your teeth for the bridge, which may involve removing some of a tooth.

Impressions

To make sure the bridge fits properly, we take impressions so it’s custom-made to fit your teeth.

Fitting

Once the bridge has been made, we’ll fit it to your teeth to make sure that it is the right fit.

Follow-Up

We’ll schedule follow-up appointments with you to be certain that the bridge is placed correctly.

Bridge Placement

After we know it fits properly, we’ll place the bridge onto your teeth and affix it with dental cement.

Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?

Why is it important to replace a missing tooth? Well, it not only improves the look of your smile but also contributes to better dental health. If you’ve lost a tooth, a bridge is one option to help provide support that may actually prevent future dental issues. After a consultation, a dental professional can help decide which option is best for you.

What’s the Purpose of a Bridge?

Each tooth has its own important role. Some are used for biting or chewing, others give shape to your face. When one is missing, the support that your teeth provide for each other is compromised. Before long, your remaining teeth, jaw joints, and/or gums will show evidence of breakdown, leading to a variety of cosmetic and functional problems. A bridge, or “artificial tooth,” can prevent these issues.

Types of Bridges

There are three main types of bridges: traditional bridges, Maryland bonded bridges, and Cantilever bridges.

Traditional Bridges

Traditional bridges are the most common type and consist of metal, porcelain, or ceramic. Crowns are made for the teeth on either side of the missing tooth, which hold the suspended portion of the bridge, or the pontic, in place.

Maryland Bonded Bridges

These bridges consist of plastic teeth and gums that are upheld by a metal frame. Metal wings on each side bond to your teeth to hold the bridge in place. This option is better for front teeth, as it can eliminate the need to grind down the teeth that surround the missing tooth in question.

Cantilever Bridges

These bridges are used if there’s only one supporting tooth beside side the missing tooth. These bridges still use two crowns to anchor the artificial tooth in place, but both crowns are on the same side. Cantilever bridges are just as stable and last just as long as traditional bridges. In some cases, they may even be more aesthetically pleasing.