Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is used to fill or literally bridges the gap left by extracted teeth. A bridge is made up of two or more crowns. It is held in place by the two abutment teeth which are on the either side of the missing teeth. The two teeth hold the bridge while the false tooth known as pontic fill the gap.

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Why you need a bridge?

A missing tooth is a serious thing. Teeth are made to function together. When you lose a tooth, the adjacent teeth may drift into the empty space.Teeth present in the opposite jaw may also shift up or down. This can affect your bite and place more stress on your teeth, causing pain and damage.
Teeth that have drifted are also harder to clean which makes it a higher risk for tooth decay or gum disease.
When a tooth is missing, the surrounding bone may shrink. If that happens, it may change the way your face look. Dental bridge maintains the proper shape of bite and maintains proper shape of the face.

Dental Bridge Can be Supported by Two Ways

By natural teeth

By Implants

Caring for your bridge

A bridge can fail if it is damaged by dental disease. Follow these tips for good oral health:

Brush your teeth twice a day.
Always clean between teeth and under the bridge. There are many kinds of flossers, picks, or little brushes.
Regular checkups for and professional cleanings.
Eat a healthy diet.

How a Fixed Bridge is Placed?

A fixed bridge means that your dentist uses existing natural teeth on both sides of your missing tooth to help hold your bridge in place. Placing a bridge will take more than one dental visit.

On the first appointment, your dentist prepares the teeth. The bridge will attach to those prepared teeth.

Then an impression of your teeth and the space is made. That information is sent to a dental laboratory where they will make the bridge.

A temporary bridge is placed to protect your prepared teeth while you are waiting for the permanent bridge.

When the permanent bridge is ready, your dentist fits, adjusts and cements the bridge permanently to the prepared teeth. This type of bridge cannot be taken out of your mouth without a dentist’s help.

What Materials are used in a Bridge?

Bridges are made from metal, porcelain, ceramics, or a combination of the two. Your dentist will discuss about the materials that are best for you.