Information on Dental Bridges

Do you have any missing teeth? Whether it's one tooth or a few, a bridge may be the right procedure for you. Like the name suggests, a dental bridge basically "bridges" the gap that is created by any missing teeth. A dental bridge consists of two crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap where the missing tooth once was. The two teeth are anchoring teeth, which are also called abutment teeth. The gap is either made up of porcelain, gold, or alloys to form a false tooth.

Are you interested in having a dental bridge procedure? Contact the dentists at the Arizona Dental Healthcare Group today. We can help provide you with more dental bridge information and answer any questions that you may have regarding the procedure.

Benefits of dental bridges include:

•     Smile restoration
•     A better ability to eat/speak
•     Prevention of other teeth shifting their position
•     An overall improved appearance

There are three main types of dental bridges. Aside from the basic, traditional bridge, there are cantilever bridges and Maryland bonded bridges. With a traditional bridge - the most commonly used type of bridge - a crown is created for the teeth on either side of the gap. They are made of ceramics or porcelain fused to metal. When there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth, cantilever bridges are used. Maryland bonded bridges consist of plastic teeth and gums that are supported by metal framework which are bonded to existing teeth. These are also sometimes referred to as resin-bonded bridges.

The first visit at the dental office involves preparation of the abutment teeth, which consists of teeth recontouring and removing part of the enamel so that a crown can be placed over them. Impressions of the teeth are then made. A temporary bridge is created so that your exposed teeth and gums are protected while the bridge is being made. This temporary bridge is removed during the second visit and replaced with the new, permanent bridge. Dental bridges typically last anywhere between 5 and 15 years.

Are you interested in having a dental bridge procedure? Contact the dentists at the Arizona Dental Healthcare Group today. We can help provide you with more dental bridge information and answer any questions that you may have regarding the procedure.