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The best teeth are always your own natural teeth. If a tooth is badly damaged or lost there are options available to you to fill the void created by the missing tooth. It is important to replace the lost tooth with an artificial tooth as soon as possible. This will prevent the teeth that are left from drifting out of position and causing jaw problems. Teeth that drift out of line are more difficult to keep clean and are more likely to get gum disease and cavities. A great option for replacing one or more missing teeth is a bridge.
We require two appointments to complete a bridge. The first appointment involves preparing the natural teeth for the custom bridge. The teeth must be reduced to allow room for the bridge. An impression of your prepared teeth is taken with a slow setting impression material and is used to get an accurate, detailed model of your teeth. This impression is then forwarded to the Lab so that they can fabricate a custom bridge designed solely for you. The dentist will create temporary crowns for you to protect the natural teeth, until the custom bridge can be permanently cemented.
The second appointment follows 7-14 days after the first appointment. At this appointment the temporary crowns will be removed, and any adjustments necessary to the custom bridge will be completed. The bridge will be cemented to complete your smile.
Bridges are strong and generally last for about 10 years or longer if they are well taken care of. You must brush and floss your bridge as you clean your natural teeth. It is very important to see your dentist and hygienist regularly so that any active decay, or gum disease can be detected and treated early to prolong the life of your bridge. You should remember to treat your bridge with respect, and not bite down on hard objects, or use your teeth to open or tear things.
There are different types of bridges:
MARYLAND BRIDGE:
This type of dental bridge is made up of a false tooth and metal framework. The Maryland bridge is used to replace a missing front tooth. It is generally lower in cost than other types of bridges and is the most simple to apply. The supporting teeth for the bridge require minimal preparation, and an impression is required so that the custom bridge can be made. Once the bridge has been delivered back to the dental office from the laboratory, the wings of a Maryland bridge are bonded to the back sides of the supporting teeth.
TRADITIONAL BRIDGE:
This type of dental bridge work consists of two crowns for the teeth on either side of the missing tooth, with a false tooth (pontic) in between. These are the most commonly used type of dental bridge and can be made with gold, metal, ceramic or porcelain fused to metal material.
