Dental bridge is a restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap. These two or more anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth. The false tooth/teeth in between is/are called pontic(s). Dental bridges can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Abutments for a dental bridge can be natural teeth or implants.

Dental Bridge steps

Dental Bridge steps

A fixed bridge is an alternative treatment to a dental implant. In cases where the surrounding teeth are strong enough to support the bridge, it is an excellent solution to maintain alignment and create a beautiful smile, to restore the ability to properly chew and speak, maintain the shape of your face and support the lips and cheeks, distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth and prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.

Our dentist in partnership with our master lab technicians can craft a bridge that perfectly matches the color and shape of the surrounding teeth, shaped to enhance your smile sometimes even more than the teeth it replaces.

Esthetically pleasing dental bridge

Esthetically pleasing dental bridge

What Is involved in Getting a Dental Bridge?

During your first visit to our Lynn Valley office, the abutment teeth on both sides of the gap, are prepared. After properly numbing your teeth and surrounding tissues, preparation involves recontouring the teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them. Next, impressions of the teeth are made, which will be poured in our partnering dental lab into a plaster model. This model will be used for fabrication of your dental bridge. Our dentist will make a temporary bridge for you to wear to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the final bridge is being made.

During the second visit, your temporary bridge will be removed and the new porcelain or metal bridge will be checked and adjusted, as necessary, to achieve a proper fit. Multiple visits may be required to check the fit of the metal framework and bite. This is dependent on each individual’s case.

How Do I Care for my Dental Bridge?

The success and longevity of the bridge depends on the solid foundation offered by the abutment teeth. It is important to keep those teeth healthy and strong. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. Our dental team will demonstrate to you how to properly brush and floss teeth around the bridge. Keeping a regular cleaning and dental exam schedule will help diagnose problems at an early stage when treatment has a better prognosis. Selecting a balanced diet for proper nutrition is also important.

Flossing-under-dental-bridge

Flossing under dental bridge