Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are for patients who have a gap in their teeth due to a missing tooth. In this case, our cosmetic dentists will custom design a bridge to fill in that gap using a false tooth. The false tooth is then fixed to the bridge and to the surrounding teeth, binding them together. Contact our office for more information on dental bridges or to schedule an appointment with one of our South Charlotte cosmetic dentists 704.752.0500.
Who Are Good Candidates for Dental Bridges?
Any individual with missing teeth should talk with our cosmetic dentists. More importantly, if space from missing teeth remains, the gums may be more vulnerable to gum disease and tooth decay.
Types of Cosmetic Bridges
There are three types of bridges: Traditional fixed, resin-bonded, and cantilever. Traditional fixed is a false tooth fused between two crows. A resin-bonded bridge is used mainly for front teeth. Metal bands are fused to a false tooth. Cantilever bridges are employed when there is a tooth on just one side of the gap. Our dentists would determine the right bridge type for you.
What Should I Expect from a Dental Bridge Procedure?
We begin by preparing the patient’s teeth on each side of the gap for placement of the false tooth. We then administer an anesthetic to prevent any pain. At this point, we will sculpt the surrounding teeth so that there is sufficient space to allow for the placement of the false tooth. Sometimes teeth with fillings have their fillings undisturbed to use as a foundation for the crown.
Next we form an impression to create a model that will provide the basis for the creation of the patient’s bridge. In the meantime, the patient is given a temporary bridge for wearing to protect the teeth and gums until their permanent bridge is completed. The permanent bridge will be affixed at the next appointment.
Advantages of a Dental Bridge
* Bridges appear natural
* Only two visits are required
* Lasts ten years or more with good hygiene
