When teeth are missing, a series of changes that can impact your overall dental health and jaw function may begin to develop. The adjacent teeth may start to drift or tilt into the space, and teeth in the opposing jaw may start to shift toward the area of the missing tooth. It is therefore, essential to replace either the single tooth or multiple teeth that are missing from this area. One of the best options to prevent the consequences of shifting teeth and to restore full function to a small edentulous section in the mouth is a dental bridge.
A dental bridge replaces the missing teeth with artificial teeth called “pontics,” and may be supported on the ends by prepared natural teeth or strategically placed dental implants. Once fabricated and fitted, a dental bridge will be permanently “fixed” or cemented into place. Like crowns, bridges can be made of either porcelain baked on to a metal substrate or many of the new ceramic materials that have been developed.
We recognize that every smile and is unique and carefully evaluate each case to determine the best options in care for the replacement of missing teeth. Whether reestablishing a complete smile involves removable prosthetics, conventional or implant-supported fixed bridges, our goals are to achieve healthy, pleasing, and long-lasting outcomes that successfully address the specific needs of our patients.