Dental Bridges
Missing Teeth
All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and in maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn’t necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.
Dental Bridge Options
A bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges), or they can be removable.
Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it’s difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.
What exactly is a bridge or fixed partial denture?
A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device which fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.
Why do I need a bridge?
Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.
Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders.
Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge.
Missing teeth can cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.
How is a bridge attached?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment Dr. Vakil & Otten will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.
Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
What materials are used?
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metal.
How do I take care of my bridge?
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.
CR Smiles Dental Arts
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very good
- Anamika s
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
everything went smoothly and easily. Would highly recommend CR smiles.
- Chandra b
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Fantastic experience , everybody so kind and friendly....100% recommended.
- Claudia d
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great
- Anita S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great visit! Dr. Often and Kathy were awesome! Thanks
- Lakota T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Vakil is great! The rest of the staff is so nice and helpful as well. Just made what will be my 3rd appointment, can't imagine going elsewhere now!!
- Maegan S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Good job
- Vijay ramsamooj
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Staff is very cooperative and nice.Doctors are very skilled and nice. They r my kids favorite.
- Asma Z
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Fantastic staff and very thorough. Friendly and efficient as well. I will return for future exams and work.
- Adam P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
You guys are great! Your attention to detail and regular checking in with me made me feel very comfortable during the procedure. I would recommend you to my friends and family.
- Sean C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was very comfortable during my procedure and the service was excellent.
- Pam P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Friendly staff !! Great first visit.
- C S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you so much!! Excellent care and awesome Doctors! The office staff is wonderful to work with.. Love love love them all!
- Cindy F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Best dental team ever! They put my mind at ease and made me feel so comfortable. Highly recommend for all your dental needs!
- Jen H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Wonderful office!
- F S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Awesome visit, great dentist and assistant, wonderful office staff!
- Marcia s
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Eased a neurotic successfully!! Smiles all around!
- Melissa H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Eased a neurotic successfully!! Smiles all around!
- Melissa H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very smooth! Very good experience! Dr. Otten and and his staff are very friendly and professional. Highly recommended.
- Ivia R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
They made every effort to be accommodating - even took the time to find my favorite Netflix tv episode on the tv for me to watch during my fillings.
- Jennifer P