All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing, and in maintaining the proper alignment of other teeth.
Tooth loss doesn’t necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.
Dental Bridge Options
A bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges), or they can be removable.
Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it’s difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.
What exactly is a bridge or fixed partial denture?
A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device which fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.
Why do I need a bridge?
Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.
Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders.
Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge.
Missing teeth can cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.
How is a bridge attached?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment Dr. DeShetler will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.
Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab
where the bridge will be constructed.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
What materials are used?
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metal.
How do I take care of my bridge?
Post treatment care is a must. A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.
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I always have a good experience coming to the office. Have new products and always accommodate patient with their schedule whenever possible. Office staff are always friendly and welcoming.
Every time I visit the office for my dental work. I leave feeling valued as a patient. The entire staff are excellent at what they do. They help me to relax, because I am mess with nerves when I sit in the chair. AWESOME! So, if you are looking for a staff that knows how
The entire team at doctor DeShetlers as well as doctor DeShetler himself is remarkable, very professional and well-informed and has made me feel very comfortable and as if I was part of the family, I wouldn’t go anyplace else. There are just not enough kind words in our dictionary to express my devotion to doctor
His office staff is always friendly and courteous. Like Dr. DeShetler himself, they take pride in their work and make your dental health their #1 priority. I give Dr. DeShetler and his office staff my highest recommendation.
I found my dental experience as pleasant as can be expected with having the amount of work I had done. Dr DeShetler is very up to the latest in knowledge and equipment. His staff are a cheerful, friendly group, who enjoy their jobs. This makes the experience a good one.
Dr. DeShetler does a really good job. My visits have been easy, comfortable, and informative. He doesn’t recommend any unnecessary work which I’ve experienced with other dentists. I’ve had 2 fillings and I was surprised how painless the procedure was.
Extremely friendly staff, most helpful. Very professional and thorough, explains options in layman’s terms. Non pressure caring environment. Hadn’t been to a Dentist in 5 years, but will definitely be back every 6 months just because I feel a general concern for the health of my mouth and my overall well being.