In some situations, dental bridges are used not only to replace a missing tooth but also to restore and strengthen the adjacent teeth at the same time. Bridges can also be a good option when dental implants are not ideal because of bone limitations or other anatomical considerations. Since bridges rely on existing teeth for support, treatment is typically completed within a few weeks.
For many patients, replacing a missing tooth restores not only comfort when chewing but also confidence when speaking and smiling.
When Is a Dental Bridge Recommended?
There is more than one way to replace a missing tooth. Dental implants and dental bridges are both well-established solutions, and the most appropriate option depends on the condition of the surrounding teeth, the available bone, and the overall goals for the area.
In some situations preserving and rebuilding the surrounding teeth makes a bridge the most practical choice, while in other cases replacing the tooth root with an implant may be recommended.
Bridges are often recommended when the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth already require crowns, allowing the entire area to be restored together. They can also be an excellent option when dental implants are not ideal because of bone limitations or other anatomical considerations.
Dental bridges can be designed in several different ways depending on the clinical situation. In many cases the supporting teeth receive full crowns, while in other situations more conservative designs may be appropriate. In certain front tooth situations, a wing-style bridge may be considered, and occasionally a bridge may be supported from only one side when conditions allow. Each design has advantages and limitations, so Dr. Klein will recommend the option that best fits your specific situation.
Bridges also require slightly different home care than natural teeth. Because the supporting teeth are connected by the bridge, cleaning underneath the replacement tooth requires small flossing tools designed for that purpose. The process is simple once learned but critical for maintaining the health of the supporting teeth and surrounding gums.
Since the bridge joins the supporting teeth together as a single connected restoration, those teeth now function as a unit. If one of the supporting teeth were to develop a problem in the future, it can affect the entire bridge. For that reason, thoughtful planning is important when determining whether a bridge is the right solution.
How a Dental Bridge Is Made
Creating a dental bridge follows the same process used to make a custom crown. The teeth that will support the bridge are carefully shaped so crowns can fit securely over them. A digital scan of the prepared teeth, the surrounding teeth, and your bite is then taken and sent to our trusted dental laboratory where the bridge is fabricated.
A temporary bridge is placed while the final restoration is being made. When the completed bridge returns from the laboratory about two to three weeks later, it is carefully fitted and permanently cemented into place so the replacement tooth can function naturally as part of your bite.
