All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing, and 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 form and function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss. At Danville Family Dentistry, we can present you with solutions that are aesthetically pleasing and functional.
A bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural (aka abutment) teeth. Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth.
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 can be difficult to do these things. Missing teeth may also affect the way the jaw joint, or TMJ, functions. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and cosmetic appearance.
Why Do I Need A Bridge?
Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. However, oral functionality and appearance are other important reasons for a dental bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and other facial muscles. The loss of one or more teeth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older. Increased risk of gum disease has also proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a dental bridge. Missing teeth can also cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly. TMD, or problems with the jaw joint, can arise from the loss of and shifting of teeth. Bridges can help avoid TMD complications.
How Is a Bridge Attached?
The procedure usually takes two appointments to complete. At the first appointment, Dr. Erickson will prepare the teeth on either side of the missing teeth by crowning them. 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 the lab where the bridge will be constructed to exacting standards and color accuracy.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A replacement tooth is fabricated to take the place of 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, porcelain, zirconia or a combination of these materials. At Danville Family Dentistry, we work closely with trusted dental labs to ensure that the bridge is constructed properly.
