What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a prosthesis used to replace one or more missing teeth. As its name suggests, this prosthetic structure acts as a “bridge” between two or more teeth and the gap left by the original teeth.  To perform this function, the bridge can be supported either by the patient's natural teeth that remain in his or her mouth or by dental implants. Once placed, the bridge serves to restore the health, aesthetics, and functionality of your mouth.

 

Advantages of dental bridges

 

  • Allows you to chew normally again
  • Rejuvenate the appearance of your smile
  • Provides a healthier appearance to the mouth

 

How is a dental bridge placed?

First, we will examine the condition of the mouth and confirm whether you is suitable for the placement of a bridge on teeth. To do this, we carry out an oral examination, photographs and X-rays.

Once your suitability for a bridge has been confirmed, a series of measurements and notes are taken from your mouth in order to fabricate the bridge. Among other things, aspects relating to the color and size of the crowns must be defined.

 

What does the traditional bridge procedure entail?

 

  • Grinding of the adjacent teeth: the teeth on which the bridge will be attached are ground. This reduction in enamel allows the placement of the crowns without the final result being too bulky.
  • Placement of the temporary bridge: after this, a temporary prosthesis is placed, which the patient must wear until the final bridge is made. In this way, the carved teeth will be protected, and the functionality and aesthetics of the denture will be maintained.
  • Cementing the definitive bridge: once the definitive bridge has been made, the temporary prosthesis is removed, and the definitive bridge is cemented onto the previously carved teeth.

 

Placing a bridge on implants

As with a traditional bridge, we must examine the condition of the mouth and confirm whether you are suitable for implant-supported bridge placement. In addition, this study will be used to plan the implant placement surgery (quantity and quality of bone, type of implant, implant location, etc.). After the examination, the necessary measurements and records of your mouth are taken to manufacture the bridge in a customized manner. This will ensure that the bridge looks and feels natural.

 

What does a bridge-on-implant procedure look like?

 

  • Implant placement surgery: the surgical intervention is performed to place all the implants that the patient needs.
  • Osseointegration process: after surgery, a period of three to four months begins during which the implant must integrate into the patient's bone. In this way, it will acquire the necessary stability to support the bridge in the long term.
  • Bridge Placement: Once the osseointegration process has been successfully completed, the dentist will place the bridge on the patient.

 

In Conclusion

A dental bridge is a great way to enhance the function and beauty of your smile if you have missing or broken teeth. There are several types of bridges, so please contact us today and make an appointment and we can discuss your particular case and your options for tooth restoration.

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