What is a Dental Bridge?
A Dental Bridge (also called Fixed Partial Denture) is a dental prosthesis that can replace the space created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge takes the support of the teeth on either side of the missing teeth and replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically.
The dentist can close the gaps in your smile with a Bridge.
A Bridge consists of a false tooth (called a pontic) and support teeth (called an abutment) on both sides of the pontic. The dentist permanently cements the bridge to the tooth. Dental laboratories use a variety of materials such as gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloys for its fabrication. However, the dentist uses a Full Porcelain Bridge more commonly to blend in with your natural tooth color.
Bridge Types
Following are the types of the Dental Bridge a dentist will do for a patient.
- Traditional Bridge
- Cantilever Bridge
- Maryland Bridge
- Implant-supported Bridge
Fabrication Steps
Time needed: 1 hour
How is Dental Bridge made?
- Evaluation
Firstly, the dentist evaluates the jaw for size, shape, orientation, and stableness of support teeth (abutment) and gums in the missing space. In a few cases, the dentist will recommend a Root Canal Treatment of the abutment teeth.
- Preparation
Further, the dentist prepares the tooth and takes an impression of the jaw. Then, he fabricates and cements a Temporary Crown. The Dental Laboratory then fabricates the bridge.
- Insertion
In the final appointment, the dentist removes the temporary Bridge and cements the permanent Bridge with permanent cement.
- Maintenance
Following the cementation of the Bridge, it is essential to maintain proper oral hygiene and checkup to ensure its longevity.
Affordable Dental Bridge
The best place to get an affordable dental bridge near you in Hartford, CT, is at Healthy Smiles. The Dentist here has done many dental bridges and has the perfect experience to get your next dental bridge done at our dental office. We do mock-ups of the case, so the patient will know exactly how their teeth will look even before they start the procedure.
Both Bridge and Dental Implants achieves the same goal – replace missing teeth. A bridge doesn’t require dental surgery. However, the dentist needs to take the support of the neighboring teeth to place a Bridge. An implant is the first choice of treatment, and in cases where the dentist cannot recommend surgery, Bridge serves as a good substitute.
The Bridge needs the same care as natural teeth.
1. Brushing
2. Flossing
3. Floss Threader
4. Check-up
5. Dental Hygiene Care
A dental bridge is a fixed partial denture connecting two support teeth and replacing the teeth between the support teeth. It is a permanent restoration cemented to the teeth and will restore the form and function of the jaw. Patients don’t need to remove dental bridge at night and hence, is very well tolerated by patients.
Dental bridge lasts from 10 years to a lifetime. If properly maintained, it will not have caries at the margin and will stay Periodontally healthy. Zirconia Bridges and PFM Bridges have the best long term prognosis.