Replacing A Missing Tooth With A Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a device that is usually used to replace a missing tooth. A dental bridges can consist of one or more artificial teeth that are cemented into place using the surrounding teeth for support.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth in a fixed, non-removable appliance. The bridge is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap, with a false tooth in between. The crowns are attached to the natural teeth on each side of the empty space, and the false tooth is suspended between the two dental crowns. This restoration is used when one or more natural teeth remain on both sides of the gap. This prevents other teeth from shifting out of place and disrupting your bite alignment. Dental bridges are fixed restorations and cannot be removed like dentures.

How is a dental bridge placed?

There are two main types of bridges available – fixed and removable. A fixed bridge is permanently cemented in your mouth, and the false tooth or teeth are held in place by crowns on adjacent healthy teeth. Removable bridges are resting on the gums with metal clasps that can be temporarily removed for cleaning purposes. Fixed bridges offer a natural appearance and function and are a permanent solution for missing teeth. 

Replacing a missing tooth with a dental bridge

A dental bridge is a type of restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth in a row. The teeth on either side of the space are used to support the bridge to hold it in place, making it non-removable. The bridge is secured to surrounding teeth and is not removable by the patient. Traditional bridges use porcelain or metal fused to precious metal; however, newer types of bridges can be made from strong and durable ceramic materials as well. This treatment is used when there is at least one natural tooth on each side of the gap in the mouth.

When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth will begin to shift into the empty space, which can change a person’s bite and cause other complications. A dental bridge will help to prevent those shifting teeth from causing more problems. Bridges also help keep the remaining teeth properly aligned and prevent them from drifting out of position as well.

Once the teeth are prepped for the procedure, impressions of the mouth will be taken and sent to a lab where they will fabricate the bridge. In some cases, a temporary bridge may be put in place until the permanent one is ready. Once it is done, the dentist will cement the bridge into place and make sure it fits correctly before checking its fit and making any adjustments as needed.

Call us at 773-880-2310 or email us at office@sheffieldsquaredental.com to schedule your appointment. Visit Sheffield Square Dental Care at 2835 N. Sheffield Ave, Suite 305, Chicago, IL 60657.