Using a Bridge to Replace a
Missing Tooth
It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not treated, the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward, creating a whole chain reaction of bad things. Teeth use their neighbors for support, and, with one missing, they start to "fall."
As this worsens, the bite changes in response to the pressure. This can eventually result in problems with the entire jaw, e.g. TMJ. The surrounding teeth deteriorate and it is just a matter of time before them, too, are lost. Gum disease becomes a serious problem, with the difficulty of treatment increasing as the neglect continues.
How Can Dental Bridges Restore Your Smile?
A bridge is a custom device that replaces one or more missing teeth. It is anchored on to other teeth and helps to enhance your smile, speech and chewing function. Created from two crowns, bridges are supported by either natural teeth or implants depending upon the restorative treatment you require. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all-ceramic material. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear and/or esthetics.
While missing teeth can be simply embarrassing, having gaps can lead to other issues such as poor jaw alignment or even speech impediments.
Contact Bay View Dental Care today to learn more about how dental bridges can restore your healthy smile. Call (414) 482-2090
today to book a FREE consultation about your bridge treatment.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
- By replacing missing teeth, your bite forces are properly distributed
- Maintain or restore the shape of your face
- Provides you with a full set of teeth – no more hiding your smile
- Reinstates your ability to chew and speak properly
- Remaining teeth stay in position and keep your jaw function in order
Three Types of Dental Bridges
Bridges crafted at Bay View Dental Care are customized to accommodate each patient’s individual needs. Before creating the permanent bridge, we meticulously examine the missing tooth and surrounding area to take an impression for the lab. The lab will create a bridge consisting of several customized crowns that can be made in three ways:
- Traditional bridges: The most common bridge type, traditional bridges are created using a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth with a pontic (artificial tooth) in between. Traditional bridges are made from superior materials such as semi-precious or precious metals, porcelain or a combination of metal fused to porcelain.
- Cantilever bridges: Commonly used when adjacent teeth are present on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth.
- Maryland bonded bridges:
Created from plastic and supported by a metal framework. This type of bridge is also referred to as a resin-bonded bridge or a Maryland bridge.
While your bridge is being skillfully custom-made, you will be provided a temporary replacement. The entire process takes approximately two weeks, which culminates with the permanent bridge being cemented into place.
Bay View Dental Care performs quality dental treatments at affordable prices. Contact us for more information.
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