More on Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is literally just that. When you have a gap between two teeth, a bridge is a prosthetic device that will bridge and fill that gap. Let’s say you have lost either a tooth or even two teeth because of an accident and it has created an unfortunate spacing between your teeth. You are conscious of your appearance and it can have a negative effect on your smile.

A Simple Fix for Missing Teeth

A dental bridge is a very simple fix and will make your smile complete again. You do need two teeth on either side of the gap for the bridge to work. These teeth are called abutment teeth and will be the anchors for your new bridge. The most common bridge is the fixed bridge. The two anchor teeth will both receive crowns. To do this they must be reduced in size to accept the crowns. In fact, it is possible that they both may receive root canals prior to being filed down. The dentist will also make sure that both anchor teeth are strong enough to accept the crowns and to support the new bridge and the extra biting pressure they will be subjected to.

Next a dental impression is made as to serve as a model. While this is taking place, the dentist will put a temporary bridge in place to protect your gums and the abutment teeth because the crowns will come from the dental lab as well. The bridge then is made in a dental lab. When the bridge is first put into your mouth you will test it for comfort. It may be temporarily cemented in for a while as you test the fit. When you and your dentist agree that it is a good and comfortable fit then the dentist will use a very strong dental cement to fuse the bridge to the two crowns on the two abutment teeth.

The bridge itself can be made of different materials. The false teeth in the bridge are called pontics. The pontics can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, ceramic or a combination of these materials. Often the artificial teeth are a combination of ceramic and porcelain fused to a metal base. When done properly these teeth will look exactly like your natural teeth.

If you only have one tooth to replace the dentist may chose a bonded bridge approach. Rather than putting crowns over the adjacent or abutment teeth there are small metal or porcelain wings on each side that can then be bonded to those teeth. This bridge isn’t as strong over time, but the benefit is you are not putting crowns over two healthy unprepared abutment teeth.

Consider Implants

With a bridge you’ll want to be careful with your oral hygiene and pay close attention to your brushing and flossing techniques. One might consider a dental implant at some point. An implant can be a permanent solution that has no negative effect on the adjacent teeth. Either way, it’s YOUR smile that matters most!

If you're ready to get started with a consultation about a dental bridge in Raleigh, NC.

Just interested in learning more about dental bridges themselves? Here's more information about the difference between dental bridges and dental implants.