Dental Bridges Close Gaps in Your Teeth

Gaps in your teeth can lead to chewing problems, speech disorders and increased risk of gum disease or tooth decay. Bridges are a great way to prevent these complications.

The process of getting a dental bridge typically takes two or more visits. While the mouth is numb, the anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a small portion of enamel. A highly accurate impression is then taken which will be sent to the lab for fabrication of the crowns and pontics.

Preparation

If you have gaps in your teeth, a bridge can help restore their natural appearance and function. They can also prevent unnatural stresses that can cause the adjacent teeth to shift, affecting your bite and causing other oral health problems.

A traditional dental bridge consists of a pair of dental crowns that are placed on the natural teeth on either side of the gap (these anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth), with a false tooth in between (called a pontic). The dentist will prepare the abutment teeth by removing a small portion of the enamel to make room for the crowns.

They will then take impressions of the abutment teeth to create molds for your dental bridge. While the permanent bridge is being fabricated in the lab, they will give you a temporary one to protect the abutment teeth and keep your smile looking its best. At your second appointment, the dentist will check and adjust your bridge, and then cement it in place permanently.

Impressions

Dental bridges close gaps left by missing teeth. They consist of two crowns that anchor to the natural or artificial tooth on either side. The bridge is capped with a pontic, an artificial tooth that replaces the missing tooth. To ensure that the restoration will fit properly, dentists must first prepare the teeth on both sides of the gap. This requires reshaping the abutment teeth, which is done by removing some enamel and dentin.

The impressions that are taken must be accurate and precise. This will guarantee that the final restoration or appliance accurately replicates a patient’s oral anatomy, including gumline and bite. Traditionally, impressions are obtained using a gooey putty-like material that is oozed into U-shaped trays. However, intraoral scanners provide a faster and more accurate alternative to traditional impression materials. They can detect crevices and details that are missed by alginates, reducing the number of restoration redos. Digital impressions also eliminate the need for dental trays and putty and reduce costs.

Bridge Placement

A bridge replaces missing teeth, restores the shape of your face, and helps alleviate stress on remaining natural teeth and gums. It is made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or plastic and includes artificial teeth supported by a metal framework. The bridge is bonded to the surrounding teeth for support.

During your first visit, your dentist will prepare the support teeth (known as abutment teeth) by shaping them and taking dental impressions. He or she will give you a temporary bridge to wear while the permanent one is made.

Traditional dental bridges Smithfield VA consist of two crowns that go over abutment teeth on either side of the gap and are attached to pontic, or artificial tooth, that fills in the empty space. This type of dental bridge is most common because it can be placed in just a few visits and is less expensive than an implant-supported bridge. However, an implant-supported bridge has a higher success rate and eliminates the need to degrade adjacent teeth.

Maintenance

Dental bridges Smithfield VA help to close the gap created by missing teeth. This restorative treatment improves the appearance of your smile, maintains the shape of your face, and helps you to chew and speak normally. It also prevents the surrounding teeth from drifting into the empty space.

A traditional dental bridge consists of two or more crowns that support artificial teeth known as pontics. The abutments are placed on the natural teeth or implants adjacent to the gap, and the pontics fill in the missing area of your smile.

While a dental bridge can last up to 15 years, it is important to take care of your oral health and follow a routine cleaning schedule. A dental bridge may become loose if it is not properly cared for, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. In some cases, your dentist may need to remove and recement the dental bridge. This process may require a second visit to the office.