Bridges

All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and in maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn't necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth, they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.

Options for replacing missing teeth: a bridge, implant, or removable partial denture.

What exactly is a bridge or fixed partial denture?

A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device, which fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges attach artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Fixed bridges are permanently attached (cemented) or are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.

Why do I need a bridge?

If you're missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating, to speaking, lip cheek support, preserving the natural bone. With missing teeth function is compromised as well as the stability of the remaining teeth. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges can be a good way to restore your dental health and appearance without having an appliance that required removal.

Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. Missing teeth can cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.

Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders.

Increased force on the remaining teeth can lead to premature loss of these teeth. Without teeth, the bone in the edentulous spaces is resorbed prematurely, decreasing the options for future support of a denture or enough bone for an implant.

How is a bridge attached?

The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment Dr. Stephenson will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin to make room for a naturally shaped abutment crown.

Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.

Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic crown (the false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Abutment crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.

What materials are used?

Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, precious alloys, porcelain, white zirconia, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to precious metal for maximum strength and esthetics.

How do I take care of my bridge?

A strict regimen of brushing and flossing under the bridge will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support. The inability to floss, without a floss threader, under the bridge is a major downside as patients find this an inconvenience.