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Dental Bridges

When teeth are lost due to disease or accident, you should have them replaced immediately. If you do not, you risk further complications that could permanently change your smile, appearance and speech.

A lost tooth often creates problems for neighboring teeth which are compromised by the empty space left behind. Over time, adjacent teeth can drift or tilt toward the space while the opposing teeth can shift up or down. This situation can affect your bite, putting additional stress on other teeth and causing pain in your jaw joints. Later on, your jawbone can shrink in the area of the missing root resulting in visible outward changes to your facial structure.

If you have lost teeth and bridgework is recommended, you have the option of choosing either a fixed or removable style.

Fixed Bridges

Fixed bridges are permanent partial dentures of one or more artificial teeth that attach to adjacent natural teeth. Though more expensive, they are the superior choice for those who prefer the look and feel of real teeth. Fixed bridges are available in porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal and gold or base metal alloy.

During your first office visit, we will make a mold of the area where you have missing teeth. (The mold will be used by our laboratory to custom-make your bridge.) We will then prepare your adjacent teeth which will bear the crowns that support your bridge. At your next visit we will seat the crowns and complete your restoration. One or more additional visits may be necessary to ensure that your bridge is working perfectly.

Removable Bridges

Removable bridges are artificial teeth custom-made to fit the area of missing teeth. They attach to crowns and natural teeth with a metal clasp or other attachment device. You can easily remove, clean and insert them whenever necessary.

Your removable bridge will look very much like your natural teeth, but you may find it less comfortable and less secure than a fixed bridge. It will be, however, less costly than a fixed bridge.

Bridges come with either a one- or two-year warranty on workmanship. During the warranty period, we will repair any damage or defects at no cost to you provided that you visit our office for a routine examination every six months.

If you would like more information about our bridgework and warranties, call 936-756-3611 or send us an e-mail. To schedule an appointment, go to Make An Appointment now.

Source: American Dental Association (www.ada.org)