If you have suffered tooth loss, there are multiple options to replace the missing teeth and restore your smile. One option is a dental bridge. Using existing teeth or implants, a dentist can literally build a bridge to fill the gap caused by one missing tooth, or a few teeth in a row. Today, our Mansfield dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, share some facts about dental bridges.
Bridging the Gap
A bridge is comprised of two crowns on either side of a gap and a false tooth, or teeth, between the crowns. The teeth used to anchor the bridge are called abutment teeth and can be either natural teeth or implants. The false teeth are called pontics. Bridges can restore your smile, provide support for cheeks and lips, and prevent existing teeth from drifting. Furthermore, replacing lost teeth will improve your chance for retaining your remaining natural teeth.
Types of Bridges
Traditional Bridge—This is the most common type of bridge. This one-piece prosthetic features a crown on two existing teeth (or implants), with a false tooth or teeth between them. Traditional bridges are created with either porcelain-fused-to-metal or ceramic, in most cases.
Cantilever Bridge—This type of bridge is used when abutment teeth are available on only one side of the gap. It is usually made by placing crowns on two adjacent teeth, with a pontic as the third tooth in the unit.
Maryland Bridge—In this type of bridge, the pontic is attached to metal bands, which are masked with a white resin and bonded to two crowns. It is commonly used to replace front teeth.
Building the Bridge
On your first visit, the dentist will prepare existing teeth for abutment crowns. Dental impressions will be made, which the lab technician will use to to craft the permanent bridge. The dentist will fit you with a temporary bridge to protect abutment teeth until the permanent bridge is ready. During the second visit, he will replace the temporary with your permanent bridge. This requires fitting and adjusting and might necessitate multiple visits to ensure the proper fit.
Schedule an Appointment
Whether you need a bridge, implants, or a cleaning and checkup, Mansfield Dental Associates offers a multiple general, cosmetic, and restorative services. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Jones or Dr. Harris, contact our Mansfield dental office at (817) 259-1357. We serve patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvaredo, Midlothian, and the 76063 area code.
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