Bridges
A bridge is a way to replace one of more missing teeth. Replacing missing teeth make sit easier to chew, improves your appearance and helps keep your teeth, gums and jaws healthy.
Spaces left by missing teeth affect the rest of your teeth. These gaps can cause chewing problems. If even one tooth is missing, other teeth may slowly shift out of place which changes the way your teeth fit together (your bite). A poor bite may
- Make your jaw sore
- Make your teeth harder to clean leading to tooth decay and gum disease
- Change your smile
A fixed bridge is one or more replacement teeth attached to the natural teeth next to them. Once it's in place, the bridge is not meant to be removed. A bridge can be made of metal, tooth-colored porcelain, or a combination of the two. A conventional bridge has one or more replacement teeth attached to crowns. The crowns are cemented over the natural teeth on either side of the space to be filled. It will take two or more dental visits to prepare and fit your bridge. The teeth on ether side of the space to be filled must be reshaped to hold the crowns that support the bridge. Impresssions of your teeth are taken and used to make your bridge. During the time your bridge is being prepared, you may have a temporary bridge to protect your reshaped teeth. When your new bridge is ready, your dentist places it on your teeth and adjusts it until it fits and feels right. The bridge is then cemented into place.
Your bridge depends on the health of supporting teeth and gums. Always clean your bridge and the rest of your mouth carefully. Ask your dentist whether special cleaning aids for bridges would help you. Interdental brushes clean between teeth; floss threaders help you floss under your bridge.
See your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and exam to help keep your teeth and gums in good condition. Your dentist will also check to be sure there are no problems with your bridge.
