Overview
Smile Street Dentistry offers a wide variety of treatments and services.
If you have missing teeth, we may recommend a dental bridge to fill the space. A bridge is essentially a false tooth that is held in place by the surrounding teeth on either side- a literal bridge in your mouth between teeth. Bridges can be made from a wide variety of materials, such as gold or other alloys, but the most commonly used material is porcelain because of its ability to match the look and color of your existing teeth.
Why would you choose a dental bridge?
Bridges can maintain the shape of your face and restore your smile, filling in the missing gaps or spaces in your mouth. Bridges also restore the ability to speak and chew properly. And, bridges also keep your other teeth from shifting out of position causing future dental issues and prevent the possible need for more dental work.
Types of Dental Bridges:
There are three main types of dental bridges
Traditional Dental Bridge and Maryland Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge consists of a false tooth or teeth being held in place by dental crowns permanently attached to each of the teeth surrounding the gap. A traditional bridge is the most commonly used bridge and can be used when each of the teeth on either side of the gap are natural, healthy teeth. A Maryland dental bridge is similar to a traditional bridge but instead of being attached to natural teeth surrounding the gap, the bridge is attached using metal or porcelain to attach the bridge to the back of the existing teeth. Metal or porcelain wings often on just one side of the bridge are bonded to your existing teeth.
Cantilever Bridge
A Cantilever bridge is different from a traditional bridge because it is attached to only one tooth that is adjacent to the gap. It basically attaches like a crown to the natural tooth next to the gap and fills in the space left by the gap in the mouth. For this type of bridge, you only need one natural tooth next to the missing one.
Preparing for your bridge
What to expect during your dental bridge appointment
During the first visit the natural teeth that will be supporting the bridge are prepared. These teeth are prepared by recontouring them to remove some of the enamel so that the bridge will attach permanently and to allow room for a crown to be placed over them. Next, impressions will be made to be used as a model to make the bridge and crowns. Your dentist will then make and attach a temporary bridge to give your mouth a natural feel while you wait for your next appointment while your bridge is being made.
At your second appointment, the temporary bridge will be removed and the new bridge will be fitted and adjusted for proper fit and comfort. You dentist will then cement the bridge in place and make final adjustments.
Although your bridge is essentially complete, it make take several follow- up adjustment appointments to get the fit and feel perfect for your needs.
