Bridges

Dental bridges are another option for replacing missing teeth. It is a fixed, or non-removable option. A dental bridge is a 3 (or more) fixed unit of joining crowns to replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. The teeth surrounding the missing tooth or teeth are prepared for crowns and the unit is cemented in place forming a "bridge" across the missing tooth space. It is very similar appointment wise to having a crown done as there are two separate appointments. At the first visit the teeth will be prepared for the bridge with a drill, and several impressions will be taken to be sent off to the lab. The lab will take a few weeks to fabricate the porcelain or gold bridge. The patient will leave with a temporary bridge for the time being, which is usually a plastic resin so they will have to be careful with what they eat since it is only temporary. The second visit is usually very quick. The patient will return, the temporary bridge is removed and the new bridge is fitted, adjusted, and cemented with permanent cement. The bridge will match your adjacent tooth shade (unless gold) and look very natural. It will look and feel just like normal teeth. Bridges do require excellent hygiene.