Dental bridges are a great way to replace missing teeth. They use your natural teeth on either side of the gap to create a “bridge” that fills in where your tooth is missing. Bridges are made from strong materials like gold, metal alloys, or porcelain so they last a long time.
The process starts by reshaping the teeth next to the gap (called abutments) to hold the bridge in place. Then, we take a mold of the area and send it to a lab. The lab uses the mold to make a bridge that fits just right and looks natural. The bridge has two crowns that go over the prepared teeth and a fake tooth (called a pontic) that fills the empty space.
While you wait for your permanent bridge, we’ll give you a temporary one to protect your teeth and gums and keep your smile looking good. Once your permanent bridge is ready, you’ll come back to have it put in with a special adhesive.
It might feel a little weird at first, but after a few days, your bridge will feel like your own teeth again.
If you’re missing a tooth, it’s a good idea to get it replaced. Besides making your smile look better, it helps keep your mouth and jaw healthy and makes eating and talking easier. Give us a call to set up an appointment and get your smile back!