Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges attach artificial teeth to natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth.
Bridges are sometimes referred to as fixed partial dentures because they are bonded to existing teeth or implants. Some bridges are removable and can be cleaned by the wearer; others are permanently cemented and need to be removed by a dentist.
Bridges are made in a lab from porcelain, gold, or a combination of materials.
With proper care, a high quality bridge could last for many years. It is very important to diligently clean and floss the natural abutment teeth of the bridge since they are needed for support.
Certain behaviors such as jaw clenching or bruxism (teeth grinding) significantly shorten the life of a bridge. In such cases, a night-guard will be prescribed to increase the longevity of any porcelain restoration.
Contact our office for more information about Bridges.