Dental Bridges
A bridge is a dental treatment used to replace consecutive missing teeth. Traditionally, it consists of two or more crowns on either side of a false tooth referred to as a pontic.
Bridges are categorized according to the number of units, which represent the number of teeth they cover.
The most popular option is a three-unit bridge; this uses two teeth as anchors for one prosthetic tooth.
Dental bridges are made from the same materials as crowns and require certain changes to oral hygiene for maintenance purposes.
This form of tooth replacement generally takes only several weeks in the lab and is permanently cemented onto the anchor teeth; it cannot be removed by patients.
Types Of Dental Bridges
The four types of bridges that are commonly used in modern dentistry are:
- Traditional fixed bridges are the most widely used type, comprised of metal crowns topped with porcelain fused metal or ceramic crowns which connect filler teeth.
- Cantilever bridges are similar but only connect to one filler tooth. This is an available option if you only have teeth on one side of the gap.
- Maryland bridges are better suited for people missing front teeth. They’re porcelain that’s fused to ceramic or metal teeth. They are mounted on a frame that’s supported by wings bonded onto existing teeth on both sides.
- Implant supported bridges is very much like a traditional fixed bridge with the only difference being that it’s supported by implants instead of existing teeth.
The Procedure
No matter what type of dental bridge you are getting, it will likely take at least two visits to complete the procedure.
At your first appointment, we will reshape abutment teeth by removing parts of enamel and dentin to make room for crowns.
We’ll also take impressions or digital scans of your teeth to create the dental bridge, prosthetic teeth, and crowns in a lab. During this time, you will receive a temporary bridge for protection.
At the second visit, the temporary bridge will be removed and the permanent bridge installed. During this time adjustments will also be made to get the perfect fit.
More Services
A perfect smile guaranteed
Epic Dental Center provides a comprehensive solution for dental care that your entire family can trust. Whether it’s something as routine as a normal checkup or something complex such as dental implants—you can trust Epic.
