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BRIDGES

Dental bridges are natural-looking tooth replacements that help maintain facial structure, reduce stress on the jaw and fill in the gaps caused by missing teeth. Bridges are cemented to the existing teeth and do not come out.

A dental bridge can be used to:

  • Restore smile

  • Reduce the risk of gum disease

  • Restore the ability to bite and chew

  • Improve speech

  • Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position

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  • TRADITIONAL BRIDGES

    Also known as fixed bridges, traditional bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. The procedure involves creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic, or a false tooth, in between. Unlike dentures, fixed bridges cannot be taken out of the mouth. These are the most common type of dental bridge and are made either of porcelain fused to metal or of ceramics.

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    CANTILEVER BRIDGES

    These bridges are used in areas of the mouth that are under low amounts of stress, such as the back teeth. Cantilever bridges are recommended when there are teeth on only one side of the open space.

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    RESIN BONDED BRIDGES

    Also known as Maryland bonded bridges, resin bonded bridges are primarily used for the front teeth. They are less expensive than fixed bridges and are best when the teeth are healthy and do not have any large fillings. A false tooth is fused with resin to metal bands that are bonded to the adjacent teeth and hidden from view. Resin bonded bridges require minimal preparation of the adjacent teeth.

  • FIRST STEP

    The adjacent teeth must be prepared. This involves removing some of the enamel to allow room for the crown to be placed over them.

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    SECOND STEP

    Impressions of the teeth are made. These will be sent to a laboratory so a bridge, pontic and crowns can be created to uniquely fit the patient's mouth. This may take two to three weeks. While the bridge is being made, the patient will be given a temporary dental bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums.

    On the next dental visit, the temporary bridge will be removed and replaced with the new, permanent bridge. The doctor will make sure the bridge fits properly and then cement it to the teeth.

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