Bridges

What Is A Bridge?

A bridge is a device used to replace missing teeth. A bridge attaches artificial teeth (pontics) to adjacent teeth called abutment teeth.

Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth.

Why Do I Need A Bridge?

All your teeth play an important role in your appearance, in speech, chewing and in maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Teeth are designed to compliment each other. Unusual forces and stresses are placed on neighbouring teeth when a tooth is lost causing a number of potentially harmful disorders including...

Adjacent teeth drifting and shifting
Teeth in the opposing dental arch moving out of its socket (over eruption)
Acceleration of periodontal (gum) disease
Potential food traps
Increased risk of decay
Further loss of tooth space
Jaw joint degeneration (TMJ)
Jaw muscle problems

If the missing tooth is not replaced, more teeth will eventually be lost due to improper forces exerted during chewing.

The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.

What Is Involved?

The bridge procedure usually takes three appointments to complete

Step 1. Proper Examination and Diagnosis
Step 2. Preparation of teeth.
The teeth are trimmed, impressions are taken and protective covers are placed on the teeth.
Step 3. Insertion of Bridge.