Dental Bridge Work - Restrative Dentistry To Improve Your Health

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Fixed Or Removable Bridge Work

"Tell me, I'll forget, Show me, I may remember, But involve me and I'll understand"
-Chinese Proverb

Each tooth in your mouth supports the other in maintaining proper alignment. Your teeth work together supporting daily functions like eating and properly speaking. With missing teeth, it's difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced.

If you do lose teeth, they must be replaced to maintain the proper function of your mouth. A bridge is used to replace missing teeth. The bridge attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth.

Options

Bridges can either be fixed or they can be removable. Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the adjacent teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the adjacent teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.

What exactly is a bridge?

A bridge fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges 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 removable bridges do.

Why do I need a bridge?

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 harmful disorders.

Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects. Missing teeth can cause speech disorders. Oral functionality and appearance are also very important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. Without a bridge your teeth will shift, your jaw may sink making your face look older.

How is a fixed bridge attached?

The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment, we prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.

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

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

What materials are used?

Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metal.

How do I take care of my bridge?

Good oral hygiene is critical because the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support. A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean.

Center For Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry, PC
155 Main Dunstable Road
Nashua, NH 03060
Phone: 603-883-0833
Fax: 603-883-3413
Email: info@nhdentist.com