Bridges
Missing teeth are the source of a variety of problems. Emotionally, they can cause significant embarrassment, a loss of self-esteem and lowered confidence. Physically, they can lead to gum disease, bite problems and speech difficulties. They can also restrict your ability to eat foods you enjoy as well as foods you need for optimal nutrition.
The good news? There’s no reason to live with missing teeth and suffer all the discomforts they cause. The solution is a dental bridge.
A dental bridge (or pontic) is a custom-made false tooth (or teeth) that is permanently placed between two healthy teeth, filling in the area left by the missing tooth. The bridge is held in place by porcelain crowns placed on the healthy teeth on each side of space to be filled.
A bridge created by a cosmetic dentist is completely metal-free. As a result, such as bridge absorbs light, creating a natural looking smile. (Bridges made of porcelain on metal actually reflect light, creating an “unnatural” look for the tooth or teeth.)
However, bridges made by general dentists are most commonly prepared from high quality materials such as semiprecious or precious metals, porcelain, or a fused combination of the two. Your bridge is made with consideration to your individual aesthetics, function, and tissue to ensure compatibility.
Being fitted with a bridge is relatively easy and pain-free. The dentist will first administer an anesthetic to numb the area. Then a minimal amount of tooth structure will be removed from the teeth on either side of the space to be filled by the new tooth or teeth. This material is removed to provide the needed space for the new crowns.
An impression of the area will be made. This impression will be sent to a dental laboratory, serving as a model from which the bridge will be created.
You will then be fitted with a temporary bridge. At the next visit, when the permanent bridge is ready, the temporary bridge will be removed. The new bridge will be fitted and adjusted for perfect fit and comfort. The new bridge will then be cemented to the teeth.
Both the preparation and placement of the temporary bridge as well as the bonding of the permanent bridge may cause some pain or tenderness in the area. Ibuprofen can reduce the symptoms.
Your dental bridge can not only restore your smile to a natural appearance and renew your confidence, but it can also return your mouth to complete comfort and healthy function.
Dr. Guri S. Dhaliwal DMD, Cosmetic Dentist - Providing services in bridges and smile makeover to the area of San Ramon, California (CA).
