Dental bridges can replace missing teeth and restore normal chewing, biting, speech, and smile functions. They are also used to help close gaps in the teeth that can cause misalignments, and help distribute the forces of your bite to prevent additional stress on your remaining natural teeth.

Traditional fixed bridges have a crown for the adjacent teeth on either side of the gap, called abutment teeth. These teeth must be shaped and prepared prior to the placement of the dental bridge to make sure the bridge will fit and remain stable. The dentist will shape the abutment teeth by filing them to form a space for the bridge. The dentist will then make impressions of the abutment teeth and the surrounding teeth, for use in constructing the bridge.

Dental Bridges: Restoring Your Smile and Confidence

The abutment teeth will be crowned with the dental bridge, which will have a false tooth attached to it. The false tooth is affixed to the abutment teeth, which are bonded with a special type of cement. The dentist will then test the dental bridge by eating and speaking and making sure that the fit is comfortable and the function is restored.

Once the bridge is placed, you will need to brush it with fluoride toothpaste and floss under the bridge to remove plaque and prevent gum disease. You should also visit your dentist or dental practitioner regularly to have the bridge checked for problems, like looseness or infection. The bridge can also be removed for cleaning if necessary.