Restore Your Smile With a Dental Bridge
Did you know that missing teeth can impact speech and digestion? Teeth are not only for chewing; they also guide the tongue during speech. When teeth are missing, both these functions can become compromised. This is where dental bridges can help.
A dental bridge is a cost-effective and natural-looking tooth replacement option that 'bridges' a gap left by missing teeth. Each dental bridge is custom-made to replace one or more teeth and is affixed to the teeth on either side of the gap to provide stability.
Dental bridges are used as an effective way to restore and maintain the oral health of people who have lost teeth. Typically considered to be a faster and less invasive restoration option than dental implants, bridges are a great solution for many of our patients who want to avoid complications associated with missing teeth.
The Bridge Procedure
The bridge procedure typically requires two dental appointments.
During your first visit, your dentist will clean and re-contour the teeth surrounding the gap. They will then take impressions to send to a specialized dental lab where your new bridge will be fabricated.
When your custom bridge is ready, you will attend a second appointment, at which time your dentist will place your bridge. These are permanently bonded to existing natural teeth, implants, or crowns that have been placed for this purpose.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
Once in place, there are a number of benefits that dental bridges offer, including:
- Restoring the appearance of your smile
- Allowing for the even distribution of bite force
- Preventing shifting in the remaining teeth
- Maintaining the shape of your face and jaw
- Improving your ability to chew and speak