PORCELAIN BRIDGES

Dental Bridges for Lost Teeth

Many people lose teeth due to dental trauma, tooth decay, gum disease, or other reasons. Unfortunately, a gap in your mouth is not just a cosmetic issue: it can affect your speech, chewing ability, jaw alignment, and even the shape of your face. In addition, remaining teeth often shift or twist into the gaps that result from missing teeth, affecting your bite and potentially causing gum disease and TMJ disorder.

If you have other healthy teeth to anchor it to, a fixed dental bridge can be an excellent solution to regaining the look and proper functioning of your teeth. Bridges bridge the gap made by a missing tooth between two healthy teeth (or two implants). A traditional dental bridge consists of crowns for teeth on either side of a missing tooth or teeth and false teeth to replace the missing tooth or teeth.

Custom-Made dental bridges

Dental tooth bridges typically take two visits to complete:

• The first visit: Before a bridge can be made, Dr. Welch will reduce the teeth that the bridge will be attached to, making them smaller to accommodate the crowns (the support) for the bridge. After reducing the adjoining teeth, he will make an impression of your teeth, serving as a mold for the bridge. And a temporary bridge will be placed to help protect your teeth and gums until you receive your permanent bridge.
  
• The second visit: Dr. Welch removes the temporary bridge and places the new, custom-fabricated dental bridge into your mouth.

It's essential to follow good after-care procedures to help maintain the structural integrity of your natural teeth and bridge. You can ensure that your new bridge lasts a lifetime with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. However, if your remaining teeth get damaged by disease or trauma, the bridge will lose its support system and have to be replaced—possibly with dental implants.

Crowns, implants, and bridges are all prosthetic tools that can help you regain your healthy, self-confident smile. However, if you are self-conscious or concerned about missing teeth, we will help you understand your options and decide on the wisest, most effective course of action.

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