Bridges

A bridge is a proper dental restoration. It can aesthetically compensate for the loss of the original teeth, particularly if the bridge is closely matched in color to the existing teeth in the mouth. A dental bridge characteristically consists of two crowns placed on abutment teeth or implants on either side of a gap in the mouth, in addition to a pontic that joins the two crowns and fills the void. The bridge may be created of various materials such as gold, silver, porcelain, and porcelain-fused metals.

At Eldridge Dental, we use dental bridges in an assortment of situations to help repair a patient’s smile. There are several positive benefits to having this type of restorative treatment carried out for you. Bridges are beneficial in improving appearance, but it also becomes easier for patients to eat their food and speak correctly. Dental bridges can help preserve the patient’s facial structure and prevent a sunken look that can happen if several teeth are missing. And bridges can also help keep the other teeth from altering position in the mouth.

Why would you need a Dental Bridge?

Your teeth work in tandem together. Whenever a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth will move in and occupy the empty slot. The teeth from your opposite jaw can also move up or down toward space. This unnecessary movement of the teeth can cause bite problems, chewing difficulties, pain from the extra stress on your teeth and jaw, and, consequently, make you feel self-conscious about the way you look or smile.

What happens during the procedure for a traditional dental bridge?

• Abutment teeth preparation: During your first visit, we will reshape the abutment teeth. In order to do this, a small portion of the tooth’s enamel and dentin is removed to make room for the crown.
• Impressions:The dentist will take impressions or a digital scan of your teeth. A dental laboratory will use the mold or scan as a model to fabricate your bridge, false teeth, and crowns. Meanwhile, you will be required to wear a temporary bridge to safeguard the exposed regions in your mouth while the lab fabricates your bridge.
• Permanent bridge placement:During your next visit, your dentist will remove the temporary bridge and fit the permanent bridge. The bridge will be checked carefully, and if necessary, the required adjustments are carried out to make sure it fits you securely.

What are the different kinds of Bridges?

• Traditional Bridges:This type of bridge comprises a dental crown for the tooth on both sides of the missing tooth, with an artificial tooth in between. Traditional bridges are the most prevalent variety of bridges and are manufactured of either ceramics or porcelain fused to metal. 
• Cantilever Bridges:They are typically used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. These types of bridges are not used anymore and are not recommended for the back teeth where it can put too much extra force on other teeth and, as a result, damage them.
• Maryland or Resin Bonded Bridges:They are made of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, plastic teeth, and gums reinforced by a porcelain or metal framework and bonded to your existing teeth.
• Implant-supported bridge:A dental implant for each missing tooth is surgically inserted into your jawbone during the first procedure. The bridge, which contains the pontics, is fitted over them in a subsequent process.

Call us at Eldridge Dental or schedule an online appointment to know more about Bridges