Dental Bridges
Missing teeth can affect how you chew, speak, and smile. They can also allow neighboring teeth to shift into the open space, potentially affecting your bite and making oral hygiene more difficult. Dental bridges offer a restorative dentistry solution for replacing one or more missing teeth and helping restore the function and appearance of your smile.
At Precision Dentistry, Dr. Eskandar can help you explore whether a dental bridge is an appropriate option based on your oral health, the location of your missing teeth, and the condition of your remaining teeth. A custom dental bridge fills the gap left by missing teeth and is designed to fit comfortably with your natural smile.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a tooth replacement restoration that fills the space created by one or more missing teeth. It typically consists of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, supported by natural teeth or dental implants. The best design depends on the number of missing teeth, the health of the surrounding teeth, and your overall treatment needs.
Dental bridges may be fixed in place or designed to be removable. A fixed bridge stays in the mouth and is removed only by a dental professional, while a removable partial denture can be taken out for cleaning. Your dentist can explain which option best meets your functional and cosmetic goals.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional Fixed Dental Bridges
A traditional fixed bridge uses dental crowns placed over supporting teeth on either side of the gap. These supporting teeth, known as abutment teeth, hold the artificial tooth or teeth in place. Traditional bridges are a common option when the neighboring teeth are healthy enough to provide support and are suitable for crown preparation.
Resin-Bonded Bridges
A resin-bonded bridge is attached to adjacent teeth using a bonding material and supporting wings, often with less alteration to the supporting teeth than a traditional bridge. This type of bridge may be appropriate in selected cases, particularly when replacing a front tooth. Suitability depends on the location of the missing tooth, bite forces, and the condition of the neighboring teeth.
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth and can be taken out for cleaning. Depending on their design, they may use clasps or other attachments to help keep them in place. Your dentist can compare removable options with fixed dental bridges based on your needs and preferences.
Implant-Supported Bridges
An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants in the jawbone to support replacement teeth rather than relying entirely on natural teeth next to the gap. This may be an option when multiple adjacent teeth are missing. Candidacy depends on your jawbone health, oral health, and treatment goals.
Why Replace Missing Teeth With a Dental Bridge?
Replacing missing teeth can help restore everyday oral function and maintain the alignment of your remaining teeth. Depending on your situation, a dental bridge may offer several benefits:
- Improved chewing: Replacing missing teeth can make it easier to bite and chew a variety of foods.
- Clearer speech: Missing teeth can affect how certain sounds are formed. Replacing them may help improve speech in appropriate cases.
- A more complete smile: A custom bridge is designed to complement the appearance of your natural teeth.
- Support for tooth alignment: Filling a gap can help reduce the risk of neighboring teeth drifting into the space.
- Restored dental function: A properly designed bridge helps distribute biting forces across the supporting teeth or implants.
Missing teeth can also affect the surrounding gum tissue and the distribution of chewing forces. Replacing them is one part of maintaining oral health, alongside regular dental visits and good daily hygiene. Your dentist can help you determine whether a bridge or another tooth replacement option is best for your situation.
How Is a Dental Bridge Placed?
The dental bridge process depends on the type of restoration being used. A traditional fixed bridge typically involves several appointments to prepare the supporting teeth, create the custom restoration, and check its fit.
1. Examination and Treatment Planning
Dr. Eskandar will evaluate the missing tooth or teeth, examine the surrounding teeth and gums, and assess your bite. This evaluation helps determine whether a traditional bridge, resin-bonded bridge, implant-supported bridge, or another restoration may be appropriate.
2. Preparing the Supporting Teeth
For a traditional fixed bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap are prepared to accommodate dental crowns. Your dentist takes impressions or digital scans so the dental laboratory can create a restoration that fits your bite and complements your smile. A temporary bridge may be placed while the permanent restoration is being made.
3. Creating and Fitting the Bridge
The custom bridge is fabricated to fit the prepared teeth and replace the missing tooth or teeth. At a subsequent appointment, your dentist checks the fit, bite, comfort, and appearance before securing the bridge in place. Adjustments may be made to help ensure the restoration functions properly.
The number of appointments and the total treatment time vary depending on the type of bridge, the condition of your teeth, and whether additional dental treatment is needed.
What Materials Are Used for Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are available in several materials, and the most suitable choice depends on the location of the missing tooth, your bite, aesthetic preferences, and functional needs. Common materials include:
- Porcelain or ceramic: These materials can provide a natural-looking appearance and are often selected for visible areas of the smile.
- Porcelain fused to metal: This option combines a metal supporting structure with a porcelain exterior.
- Metal alloys: Certain metal alloys may be used when strength and durability are important considerations.
Your dentist can explain the benefits and limitations of each material and recommend an option suited to your restoration.
How Do You Care for a Dental Bridge?
Good oral hygiene is essential for protecting your dental bridge and the teeth or implants that support it. Although a fixed bridge cannot be removed at home, plaque and food debris can collect around its margins and beneath the artificial tooth. Cleaning these areas helps protect the surrounding gums and supporting teeth.
To care for your dental bridge:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your natural teeth and around the bridge every day.
- Use a floss threader, interdental brush, or other recommended tool to clean beneath the artificial tooth.
- Attend regular dental checkups and professional cleanings so your dentist can monitor the bridge and its supporting structures.
- Contact your dentist if your bridge feels loose, becomes damaged, or causes persistent discomfort.
Your dentist can demonstrate the best cleaning techniques for your specific bridge design. Consistent home care and routine professional visits can help maintain the health of your supporting teeth and gums.
Restore Your Smile With a Dental Bridge
If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may help restore your ability to chew comfortably and smile with confidence. Dr. Eskandar and the team at Precision Dentistry can evaluate your oral health, explain your tooth replacement options, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Contact Precision Dentistry to schedule an appointment and learn whether a dental bridge is right for you.
