Dental Bridge Dental bridges can help replace your missing teeth. Find out more about the procedure and whether it is suitable for you by scheduling an appointment with our experts at Shoreline Dentistry.What is a Dental Bridge?A dental bridge is a restoration to close any gaps in your smile. It consists of a pontic (false tooth) supported by abutment teeth on either side of the gap. There are four types of bridges. The most common type of dental bridge is the traditional bridge where the false tooth is held in place by a dental crown on either side of the space that is cemented onto your natural teeth. A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge where the pontic is held in place by a dental crown. However, unlike the traditional bridge where two crowns hold the pontic in place, a cantilever bridge uses just one crown. The Maryland dental bridge uses a porcelain or metal frame bonded onto the back of the teeth on either side of the gap, rather than dental crowns. Finally, the implant-supported bridge uses dental implants instead of natural teeth to support the pontic. Am I Suitable For a Dental Bridge?You will need to have healthy, strong teeth on either side of the gap that can support a dental bridge. You will need to have a healthy mouth with no active gum disease that could potentially destroy the supporting tissues of the crowned teeth. How is a Dental Bridge Fitted?Apart from Maryland bridges where the teeth do not need modification, the teeth are prepared beforehand. A local anesthetic is given and the dentist pares down the outer layers of the teeth on either side of the gap to make enough room for the crowns to fit comfortably on top. Once the teeth are prepared, impressions are made to make plaster cast models of your teeth. These are sent to a laboratory where a technician creates your tailor-made bridge. When the bridge is complete and our dentist has received it from the lab, you can have it fitted. The dentist will position it to check that it fits properly, making any minor adjustments. It is cemented permanently in place with a special adhesive that is activated by light to form a strong and secure bond. Dental Bridge MaterialsBridge materials vary and the type used for your bridge depends on where in the mouth it is going to be placed, and the cosmetic result required. Teeth that are subject to strong chewing forces at the back of the mouth need a strong material, such as porcelain-fused-to-metal. These have the strength of metal with the esthetic qualities of porcelain and are a popular choice for many types of bridges. Where appearance is more important, such as at the front of the mouth, materials that have a similar natural quality to teeth, including porcelain, are often used to provide a natural result. Dental bridges can last for 10 to15 years with a good oral hygiene regimen that includes twice-daily brushing and flossing with regular check-ups. For more information about dental bridges at Shoreline Dentistry schedule an appointment with our experts by calling (609) 507-0800. |
 Office HoursMonday: 9:00am - 5:00pm Tuesday: 9:00am - 5:00pm Wednesday: 9:00am - 2:00pm Thrusday: 9:00am - 6:00pm Friday: Closed |
