Porcelain Bridges
When one or more teeth are missing and there are healthy teeth on either side of the empty space, a "bridge" can replace the missing tooth or teeth. The simplest example would be a patient who was missing one tooth and the adjacent teeth on either side of the space were determined to be good "support teeth". These support teeth would be shaped or "prepared" for the dental bridge. Essentially, the teeth next to the missing space are prepared for "crowns" and a false tooth, termed a "pontic", is attached to the crowns on either side of the space. This is referred to as a fixed bridge because it bridges the missing tooth's space and is not removable like a removable partial denture.
Why would a patient need a bridge?
Teeth need each other for support. When a tooth is lost, the biting forces change on the teeth next to the space, causing teeth to shift. Another concern is that the opposing teeth no longer have anything to chew against, so they may begin to extrude out of their sockets. These changes create places around the teeth that are hard to keep clean, so plaque and bacteria build up quickly. This build up can cause tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Changes in the bite can also put improper chewing forces on the remaining teeth, and this can lead to loose teeth and loss of supporting bone, especially when periodontal disease is already present in your mouth. An uneven bite with one or more missing teeth makes it harder to chew your food and may lead to grinding and clenching. A bridge can prevent these problems and help maintain a stable bite and restore your beautiful smile.
How is a bridge made?
Replacing a missing tooth with a fixed bridge requires two or more appointments. During the first appointment, we prepare/reshape the supporting teeth, create an impression of the teeth, and place a temporary fixed bridge. The impression gives us an accurate working model of your mouth and allows us to re-create your natural bite. From this model, a dental laboratory fabricates a bridge that will fit your teeth precisely. During your final appointment, we replace the temporary bridge with the new porcelain bridge.
Care for bridges
Brush and floss twice-daily with special attention to all the areas around the bridge. It is not possible to floss between the false replacement tooth and the attached crowns on the support teeth, as the bridge is made as one solid piece. It is therefore necessary to use a special type of floss to go under the replacement tooth to keep this area of gum tissue healthy. We will give personalized instructions, special instruments and thoroughly train you how to care for the new bridge, so it's very easy to care for. And that's about all there is, except to start enjoying the ability to chew normally again.
