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Fixed Bridge
A bridge is a restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. Crowns are used on
the teeth in front of and behind the missing tooth to support the false tooth.
This entire restoration is cemented on to those supporting teeth.
Reasons: There are multiple reasons to replace missing teeth, but
basically it can be narrowed down to three:
- Migration: The teeth surrounding a vacant area in the mouth, including the teeth above or below, will move into that open area. The position that these teeth move into is unnatural for them and can cause them to develop problems, that can lead to tooth loss, in extreme cases.
- Function: Teeth in every part of the mouth are designed for particular functions. If there is an area that has missing teeth, that area cannot function properly.
The result is for other teeth to assume the added work, of which they were not designed or intended. This added work can create problems that might cause additional teeth to need treatment or extraction.
- Appearance: This is the most obvious reason patients' think of. The state of the art techniques and materials we use, results in a very natural look.
Treatment appointments: The first appointment is used
to prepare or shape the supporting teeth for their crown. An
impression(s) is made of the prepared teeth and the opposing teeth.
A temporary bridge is made and cemented. The second appointment is
to remove the temporary bridge, fit and adjust, then cement the
bridge.
 Expectations:
The length of time a bridge will function varies. The condition of
the supporting teeth, the patient's oral hygiene, diet and many
other factors will affect the time of service.
Materials: Bridges are made to either be tooth
colored or all gold. The tooth colored bridges usually have a
sub-base of gold and porcelain is baked on to create a very natural
look. There are variations to these two types and there are specific
reasons why one material might be recommended.
Alternative: Implant. You might be a
candidate for using an implant(s) to replace missing teeth. An
implant is a metal device that is placed in the bone. The crown is
then attached to the implant. An implant will allow you to replace the missing teeth
without having to use adjacent teeth to support the false teeth.
Although this technique is relatively new the results are great and
the cost is coming very close to that of fixed bridges.
Click here for more information about
dental implants.
A fixed bridge is designed to restore your mouth to as close
to it's natural conditions as before you lost the tooth (teeth) as
possible. If you have been missing the tooth (teeth) for many years
and have become accustomed to not having it, the importance of
replacing it might seem small. That is not true, it is very
important to replace missing teeth in order to help preserve
other teeth and to allow you to function properly.
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