A dental bridge is a series of artificial teeth. The bridgework is supported by an anchor on either side of the gap to hold the false tooth in place.
A bridge can be supported in three ways: by natural teeth, dental implants, or a combination of the two. When the natural teeth are used to support the bridgework, a dental crown is typically placed to provide additional support and stability.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer several benefits for patients who are missing one or more teeth. Of course, bridges fill the gap of your missing teeth. However, they can provide numerous benefits to your oral health.
Prevent Tooth Shifting
When a tooth is missing, the nearby teeth can gradually shift into the empty space. Bridges fill this gap and prevent this shifting. As a result, it can prevent misalignment and bite problems.
Protect Remaining Teeth
Bridges distribute the forces of your bite evenly across all of your teeth. This reduces the stress on your surrounding teeth. Using bridges to restore your smile helps prevent premature wear and tear.
Preserve Jaw Structure
Bridges help maintain the shape of your face by preventing the remaining teeth from shifting into the empty space. This can prevent issues like jaw misalignment and TMJ disorders.
What to Expect
A dental bridge is a viable treatment option for anyone with one or more missing teeth. They may be either fixed or removable, and our dentist can help you choose which type is right for you.
We follow a simple process for treatment with dental bridges. This process begins with a comprehensive evaluation to examine the health of the teeth, gums, jaw joints, and other support structures. You may have an existing dental bridge or teeth that need extraction. Regardless of your condition, the dentist will create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs, goals, and budget.
The dental bridge will be fabricated in a dental laboratory. You may have a temporary bridge to wear in the intermediate time period. In approximately 2 to 3 weeks from your initial visit, you will return for the delivery of the final restoration.