When you are missing a tooth, a Bridge keeps you out of troubled social waters.

 

Why you would need a Bridge:

  • You’ve recently lost a tooth or teeth
  • Your teeth are already shifting to fill in the gap, and joint problems are beginning
  • Desire to improve chewing ability
  • Desire for a more permanent solution than dentures

The Process of Installing a Bridge:

A bridge is a single appliance that attaches to two teeth on either side of the space left behind by a tooth that has been removed or knocked out. An artificial tooth is attached to the middle of the bridge, and fills in the gap where the missing tooth once was. The teeth on opposite sides of the gap are prepared for crowns (link to crowns), and an impression is made of the area. This impression or mold is used to create a porcelain or gold bridge in a specialized laboratory. The bridge is then cemented onto the prepared surface, and the gap has effectively disappeared.

Bridges Have Their Advantages:

Bridges are never removed, unlike dentures. Bridges fall in line with your natural teeth, and are stable enough to function in the same capacity as your regular teeth. Bridges also prevent the movement of other teeth. Bridges are two week process versus an implant can by a year process to fill the gap of the missing tooth or teeth. Bridges can be easily paired with other cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of!

Disadvantages of Bridges:

Bridges can eventually wear out, requiring replacement or maintenance due to normal wear. Bridges require replacement if one unit breaks. Keeping a bridge clean is hard, and requires flossing under the bridge.

Alternatives to Bridges:

A dental implant is the only other recommended option, in the event that a bridge is not a feasible solution.