Smile-Maintaining Dentistry

Permanent Bridges

All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. If you do lose teeth they must be replaced to maintain proper function and appearance of your mouth.  A person with missing teeth usually looks much older than they actually are. Missing teeth affect your ability to speak clearly. 

Filling in the Gap on  Missing Teeth

One method Dr. Finney uses to replace missing teeth are  permanent bridges.   
Permanent  bridges are secured by attaching them to crowns.  These crowns  are placed  on the adjacent  supporting teeth, also called abutment teeth.  Permanent bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.
 

Why Do I Need a bridge?

Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other.  Missing teeth cause the remaining teeth to lean or tip into the open space.  This can change your bite and make later restoration more difficult.  Increased risk of gum disease is one of the worst side effects of missing teeth.  This can be minimized with a permanent bridge.

How is a Bridge Attached?

The attachment procedure usually requires 2 appointments 2 weeks apart to complete.

1.   At the first appointment Dr. Finney will prepare the teeth on either side of the space. Since the bridge must be made very precisely to ensure the correct bite and  match the opposing teeth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a dental lab where your permanent bridge is constructed. Construction of your permanent bridge will take approximately 2 weeks. 

We will make a temporary bridge for you t o wear during this time.  Since a temporary bridge  is made of acrylic (plastic) and attached with temporary cement, it is not as strong as a permanent bridge and  care must be taken not to dislodge it.  We recommend chewing cautiously with your temporary  bridge.  Keeping it clean is also very important.  See Home Care Instructions on Caring for your Temporary Bridge.

2.   At the second appointment, your permanent bridge will be permanently  cemented to the natural teeth that will hold the bridge in place.   A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth or teeth. Crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.

What Materials are Used?

Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials.
 

How Do I Take Care of my Bridge?

A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.  See the Home Care Instructions on Caring for your Permanent Bridge.