North Auburn Dentistry offers a wide variety of dental services, including treatments and procedures that can restore your teeth. If you have been left with an open gap to fill due to severe decay or dental injury, it is in your best interest to look into a dental bridge. When it comes to tooth replacement treatments, dental bridges are one of the most affordable and aesthetically pleasing options.
What is a Dental Bridge?
As the name suggests, a dental bridge is a dental appliance that serves as a bridge for missing teeth in the mouth. When missing a tooth, it can become challenging to perform daily eating and to speak. A dental bridge can help your restore function to your teeth and the aesthetic of your smile.
A bridge comprises multiple components that include dental crowns and complete artificial teeth. There are several different types of bridges. To select the best one for you and your lifestyle, Dr. Brandon Dever will speak with you about the details and benefits of each one. We always want our patients to make an educated decision regarding their treatments.
Types of Dental Bridges
- Removable Bridge: Artificial teeth are attached to a retainer-like appliance that you can remove to replace your missing teeth.
- Fixed Bridge: The most common type chosen by patients is a fixed dental bridge which contains an artificial tooth and two dental crowns.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: Instead of using the two adjacent teeth, if they are missing as well, the patient can choose to have the bridge secured onto two dental implants.
- Cantilever Bridges: A cantilever bridge is employed when just one side of the lost tooth has adjacent teeth. This is no longer very prevalent, and it is not suggested near the back of the mouth, where it might cause harm to adjacent teeth by exerting too much force on them.
- Maryland Bridges: We make these bridges from porcelain fused to metal, porcelain, or plastic gums and teeth supported by an artificial framework.
Benefits of Choosing a Dental Bridge
- Bridges can last 15 years or more with proper care
- It prevents surrounding teeth from shifting into the missing tooth’s place
- Restores patients function
- Increases confidence by restoring the appearance of the smile
- Less invasive and more affordable compared to other tooth replacement options
- Only needs two visits into our office to complete
Dental Bridge Process
The first step is to prepare the abutment teeth or the support teeth that will hold the dental crowns. Dr. Dever does this by shaving down the enamel of the teeth. Shaving down the enamel will allow space so the crown can fit properly. After the dentist has completed the shaving down, he will take impressions. We will make molds from the tooth impressions to create the crowns and the artificial tooth. We will send molds and details of the bridge to a dental laboratory, where they will be created and customized to your mouth.
After your first visit, before you leave, we will place a temporary crown for you to wear until the final one is made and ready to be cemented down.
Finally, we will have you in for your second and final appointment once the dental bridge is created and back in our office. Here, Dr. Dever will remove the temporary bridge, fit the final bridge, and cement it onto your teeth.
Although the dental bridge is porcelain, it still requires proper and thorough oral care. To maintain the bridge, we encourage our patients to brush and floss as usual and to remain coming into our office for routine visits twice a year.
Speak to a Professional
Dr. Dever or one of our team members is willing to answer any questions you may have regarding dental bridges or other tooth replacement services that we offer. Please call our office to learn more or to schedule an appointment.