Bridges

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This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. It is formed to look like the missing tooth, and it takes its place in the mouth. The sides of a bridge use the two surrounding teeth for support, hence the name. A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics.

It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not treated the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward, creating a whole chain reaction of bad things. Teeth use their neighbors for support, and, with one missing, they start to “fall.” As this worsens the bite changes in response to the pressure. This can eventually result in problems with the entire jaw, e.g. TMJ. The surrounding teeth deteriorate and it is just a matter of time before them, too, are lost. Gum disease becomes a serious problem, with the difficulty of treatment increasing as the neglect continues.

 

Fixed Bridges

If you’ve lost teeth due to accident, injury, or gum disease, we can create a permanent ‘bridge’ appliance to replace the missing teeth.

If you’ve lost teeth due to accident, injury, or gum disease, we can create a permanent ‘bridge’ appliance to replace the missing teeth. Not only does a bridge fill the missing space, thereby preventing repositioning of remaining teeth, but it also corrects an altered bite, improves chewing ability and speech articulation, and supports facial structures to preserve your appearance.

So what’s a fixed bridge actually like? Well, the restoration is permanently joined onto the neighboring ‘abutment’ teeth on either side of the toothless area and consists of three basic units: the false tooth or teeth (called a pontic) and two abutment teeth crowns. The most appropriate style depends on the strength and health of those neighboring teeth, as well as the location of the toothless span in relation to the rest of your dentition. If healthy adjacent ‘anchor’ teeth aren’t available, a surgically implanted metal post or dental ‘implant’ may be an alternate choice. And finally, for a large span of missing teeth, a removable partial denture or implant-supported prosthesis may be our recommendation. In any case, with proper care your fixed bridge may last at least 8-10 years.