Fixed Dental Bridges

What is a fixed dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a false tooth, known as a pontic, which is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth.

The two crowns holding it in place that are attached onto your teeth on each side of the false tooth. This is known as a fixed bridge.

This procedure is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Fixed bridges cannot be taken out of your mouth as you might do with removable partial dentures.
 

  
before bridge is constructed            after bridge is applied

How is a dental bridge applied?
Dr. Caldwell will prepare your teeth on either side of the space for the false tooth. You will be given a mild anesthetic to numb the area, and then he will remove the area of each abutment (teeth on either side of the space) to accommodate for the thickness of the crown. When these teeth already have fillings, part of the filling may be left in place to help as a foundation for the crown.

We will then make an impression, which will serve as the model from which the bridge, false tooth and crowns will be made by a dental laboratory. A temporary bridge will be placed for you to wear while your bridge is being made until your next visit. This temporary bridge will serve to protect your teeth and gums.

On your second appointment, the temporary bridge will be removed. Your new permanent bridge will be fitted and checked and adjusted for any bite discrepancies. Your new bridge will then be cemented to your teeth.

Advantages of dental bridges
Bridges are natural in appearance, and usually require only two visits to your dentist. If you maintain good oral hygiene, your fixed bridge should last as many as ten years or more.

Disadvantages of having a dental bridge
It is common for your teeth to be mildly sensitive to extreme temperatures for a few weeks after the treatment. The build up of bacteria formed from food acids on your teeth and gums can become infected if proper oral hygiene is not followed.

How is the color determined for my dental bridge?
When considering dental bridges a common question is how white the dental bridge should be. Usually, the answer is to whiten your natural teeth to either the level of whiteness you want or to the brightest they can be. We will then have the dental bridge made to that color. Details on tooth color fillings.

Teeth are not monochromatic, so typically more than one color is used to create a very natural look. This color variation is critical in avoiding fake or artificial looking teeth. It is the internal contrast of colors that help create this look of authenticity. The internal play of light on the porcelain in the restoration helps your bridge to look as natural as possible.

Not all of your teeth are the same natural color. Usually your eye teeth tend to be darker than the others, your front teeth are typically the whitest, and molars tend to be a shade between the two. The goal for everyone is to achieve their individual optimum whiteness while still looking natural.