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Dental Bridges

Dental bridges assist in filling the gap left by more than one missing tooth. A bridge consists of the prosthetic teeth called the pontics that will replace the missing ones, supported by one or more crowns to be attached to the teeth on either side of a hole. The adjacent teeth, besides the gap, are called abutment teeth. Bridges help restore both the aesthetics and the functionality of the teeth. The bridges can be manufactured from various materials such as gold, alloys, or porcelain.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges assist in filling the gap left by more than one missing tooth. A bridge consists of the prosthetic teeth called the pontics that will replace the missing ones, supported by one or more crowns to be attached to the teeth on either side of a hole. The adjacent teeth, besides the gap, are called abutment teeth. Bridges help restore both the aesthetics and the functionality of the teeth. The bridges can be manufactured from various materials such as gold, alloys, or porcelain.

What Are the Uses of Dental Bridges?

There are several uses of bridges including:

  • Helping restore your lovely smile
  • Re-establishing the teeth’s ability to chew and bite
  • Helps preserve the shape of the facial structure
  • Securing the remaining teeth in their designated positions
  • Distributing the force of your bite properly

What Are Various Kinds of Dental Bridges?

  • Traditional Bridges

    These bridges consist of a metal framework holding an artificial tooth supported by two dental crowns on either side. These bridges, usually made from either porcelain fused to metal or ceramics, are the most commonly used.

  • Resin-Bonded Bridges

    They are also called Maryland bonded bridges composed of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or plastic teeth, and gums held together by a metal framework. The metal or porcelain extensions are cemented to the existing teeth.

  • Implant-Supported Dental Bridge

    As the name specifies, implant-supported bridges use dental implants for support. The implants placed strategically in the mouth support the bridge. This type of bridge is considered the most durable and robust and requires two phases of treatment. In the first phase, the dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone and allowed to heal. In the next stage, the dental bridges are secured over the implants. This treatment could take a couple of months to accomplish.

How Are the Dental Bridges Fixed?

To start the procedure for dental bridges, the abutment teeth are prepared. These teeth are prepared by shaving a portion of the enamel to allow a crown to be attached to them. Next, the teeth’s impressions are taken to fabricate the bridge consisting of pontics and crowns. Meanwhile, a temporary bridge is fixed to protect the exposed gums and teeth while the bridge is being prepared.

The temporary bridge will then be removed during the subsequent visit, and the permanent bridge will be secured. But before doing the final fitting, the bridge will be checked and adjusted to give you a perfect bite and fit.

If you are interested in learning more about dental bridges, call Sedro-Woolley Family Dental Center in Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 at (360) 855-0351 and schedule an appointment.