Porcelain Fixed Bridges

Dental bridges do literally and figuratively what you would expect them to- “bridge the gap” between missing teeth.

A dental bridge is a device or (non-removable) fixed appliance provided as an excellent tool to replace missing teeth. The artificial attachment is placed adjacent to natural, or commonly referred to as abutment teeth. Dental bridges can be both permanent or removable. However, fixed bridges implies an everlasting solution. Replacement of a missing tooth will help to sustain optimal oral heath.

If a tooth is not replaced?

You are asking for problems including:

  • Chewing
  • Speaking
  • Biting
  • Headaches
  • Muscle spasms
  • Discomfort
  • Pain
  • Gum disease
  • Infection
  • Further damage to tooth loss
  • Unattractive aesthetic appearance

What Do Fixed Bridges Do? The Benefits. 

  • Fill in gaps or spaces of missing teeth.
  • Provide natural-looking tooth replacements.
  • Help to maintain facial shape.
  • Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
  • Reduce uncomfortable stress on the jawline
  • Restore chewing and speaking ability.
  • Restore your smile.
  • Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.
  • May replace multiple teeth
  • Highly durable

The Procedure

The overall treatment consists of the creation of a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth with a (false) pontic piece in between the gap. They are adhered stably in place by metal clasps or precision attachments. Fixed bridges will provide identical reliability and support.

Various Types of Bridges

Traditional Bridge:

This is the most popular among the suggested and requested.  They are made of porcelain fused to metal which resembles the closest to your natural teeth.  The Porcelain fixed bridge consists of two crowns which are placed on top of two anchoring teeth. Once they are attached, the gap, or gaps, between the missing teeth becomes filled.

Resin Bridge: 

Primarily used most often on the front teeth, these bridges typically bond together metal bands to the back of the teeth.

Cantilever:

There is no back support on this type of bridge so it is commonly used on areas of less stress.

Once your condition has been assessed, the right plan of action will be put into place. Your dentist will offer you their expert knowledge to guide you on your options and which method of treatment is best for you.

Process Breakdown

Traditionally, two visits are required for the treatment of porcelain fixed bridges. While the targeted teeth are numbed, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel. This allows for a crown.  Then, a precise and customized impression (mold) is developed to be sent out to a specialized dental laboratory. There, the bridge will be fabricated.  In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for several weeks until your next appointment.

At the second visit, your permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to construct and achieve a proper personalized fit for security.  Occasionally your dentist may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to get used to the new bridge.  The new bridge will be permanently cemented at a later time.

You will receive care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment.

Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge.