How does your dentist fix dental bridges on your teeth?

What are dental bridges?

Dental bridges are dental restorations to replace one or more missing teeth. A dental bridge consists of two crowns (a hollow crown is an artificial tooth made to fit over a natural tooth or implant) and a false tooth to fill in the gap created by a missing tooth. The two crowned teeth can be natural teeth or dental implants. There is a wide variety of materials to choose from for your bridges. They can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials.

Why do you need dental bridges?

• One of the main reasons is your appearance. With dental bridges in place you can smile wide without worrying about your missing tooth showing.
• The gap left by a missing tooth causes more strain for the teeth on either side of the gap.
• A gap may affect your bite as the teeth next to the gap can lean into these gaps and change the way upper and lower teeth bite. Changes in biting can cause food to be lodged in the gap which can further lead to tooth decay and gum diseases.

How is a bridge  fixed?

• If you have healthy teeth on either side of the gap, your dentist files them down to prepare them for the bridge. In case, you do not have healthy teeth to support the bridge then dental implants (artificial root made of titanium metal) are surgically placed. It is inserted into the jaw bone to replace the natural root of a tooth. In this case, dental implant acts as an anchor to hold an artificial tooth or a dental bridge in place.
• Your dentist then takes impressions of your teeth to prepare a mold. This mold is then used to make the artificial tooth or teeth and the two crowns as one piece. It is now called a bridge.
• While your dentist is preparing the dental molds he makes a temporary bridge in your mouth to protect the exposed teeth and gums.
• On your next visit, your dentist replaces the temporary bridge with the custom-made permanent dental bridge. The crowns are either cemented on the healthy teeth or are attached to the dental implants on either side of the missing tooth.

Caring for your dental bridge

Dental bridges last for about 10 years if taken proper care of. Bridges, like teeth, need to be brushed and flossed every day.  Add regular dental hygiene practices to dental visits and professional cleanings for long-lasting bridges. 

Many people from Hartford come to our office because we are conveniently located next to Target. Our flexible hours and family dental practice makes it easy for busy families to schedule visits for both parents and children.To know more about dental bridges contact Green Meadow Dental, at 3579 B Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06111, (860)-865-0056. We also serve patients from neighboring areas like Farmington, Plainville, and East Berlin.