A fixed bridge is used to replace missing teeth. These restorations bridge the gap by crowning teeth on either side of the space. Bridges help maintain a normal bite, prevent stress on the dental arches, and prevent drifting of adjacent teeth.


What to expect with a bridge

Implants can replace any tooth in the mouth that is lost back to its optimal shape and function. The process for having an implant is easy and comfortable. The implant is placed and acts like the root of a missing tooth. An abutment and implant crown are then placed above the gums. The crown is what looks and feels exactly like a natural tooth and the abutment is what connects the crown to the implant.

Bridges are designed to feel and look natural. People will not be able to tell that you have a bridge or are missing a tooth. Bridges are comfortable and durable. Getting a bridge is a pain free process. It requires at least two visits. The teeth on either side of the space are prepped for crowns. A certain amount of tooth structures needs to be reduced to be able to create room for the bridge. Impressions are taken for our expert lab technician to make your bridge and a temporary is made. This temporary covers the teeth and the space mimicking what your final bridge may look like. After 3 weeks of wearing the temporary we get our final bridge back and check out the esthetics, fit, contacts and bite. Once everything looks perfect we seat the bridge with permanent cement and you have a fixed prosthesis that will restore your teeth back to their beautiful shape and function.

Caring for a bridge

Cleaning around the bridge takes time. Where the tooth or teeth are missing can accumulate food debris. This needs to be thoroughly cleaned every day to prevent cavities and gum disease around a bridge. In order to be able to clean this area you have to thread some floss underneath of the bridge. A bridge will not last forever. Part of the bridge may break or something happens to a tooth supporting it. The number one reason bridges fail is that decay gets around one of the teeth associated with the bridge. The entire bridge is then affected and may need to be replaced. It is important to have routine cleanings, radiographs and exams to ensure your bridge stays healthy.

Before & After Photos

Lower bridge

Upper right bridge on natural teeth and bridges on upper left and lower right using implants