Dental Bridges
A bridge, also known as a fixed dental restoration (technically a fixed dental prosthesis), used to replace a missing tooth (or several teeth) by joining an artificial tooth permanently to adjacent teeth or dental implants.
Bridges are most commonly made using the indirect method of restoration by which the bridge is fabricated outside of the mouth and cemented in afterward.
A bridge is fabricated by reducing the teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth by a preparation pattern determined by the location of the teeth and by the material from which the bridge is fabricated. In other words, the abutment teeth are reduced in size to accommodate the material to be used to restore the size and shape of the original teeth in correct alignment and contact with the opposing teeth.
Once the teeth are prepared, an impression is taken and sent off to a lab for processing. The new bridge is sent back to the office within 2 weeks. To ensure protection and aesthetics, a temporary bridge is made in-office while the final bridge is being processed. Once returned, the temporary bridge is removed and the final bridge is permanently cemented.
Not only does a bridge restore function and aesthetics, but it also prevents the surrounding teeth from drifting out of position and fill spaces that would otherwise leave surrounding teeth susceptible to tooth decay. A dental bridge is clearly an excellent treatment option.
The best candidate for a dental bridge is a person with one or more missing teeth and good dental hygiene. Special attention to hygiene at home will need to be taken, especially flossing under the bridge. Furthermore, dental visits, including professional cleanings, should be completed every six months.