What is a Dental Bridge?

What is a dental bridge? Dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth. They are very similar in function to partial denture structures and dental implants. Severe space gaps caused by missing teeth can negatively impact your overall dental health. Missing teeth may cause serious damage by affecting your occlusion or bite, inflaming temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), tooth decay and a higher risk of periodontal disease.

Delray Beach dental bridges can be treated at our local dental office. Dr.McCauley and his expert staff have performed over 6000 surgical dental treatments. During your free consultation we’ll explain the different options of dental bridges, conventional, fixed, resin-bonded and cantilever bridges.  Call Dr. McCauley today (561)272-8555.

How Are Dental Bridges and Crowns Made?

Many people turn to dental bridges to resolve the issue of one or more missing teeth. Did you know that dental bridges are actually known as dental appliances? But how are dental bridge appliances made? How do they appear so natural and undetectable? This in-depth article by Colgate details the process of manufacturing dental bridges and crowns.

Before either a crown or a bridge can be made, the tooth (or teeth) must be reduced in size so that the crown or bridge will fit over it properly. After reducing the tooth/teeth, your dentist will take an impression to provide an exact mold for the crown or bridge. If porcelain is to be used, your dentist will determine the correct shade for the crown or bridge to match the color of your existing teeth. Using this impression, a dental lab then makes your crown or bridge, in the material your dentist specifies. A temporary crown or bridge will be put in place to cover the prepared tooth while the permanent crown or bridge is being made. When the permanent crown or bridge is ready, the temporary crown or bridge is removed, and the new crown or bridge is cemented over your prepared tooth or teeth.

— How Are Crowns and Bridges Made?

Dental Bridges Benefits

Dental bridges are a long term solution for many dental issues. This treatment can last for up to 15 years or more. A dental bridge literally bridges the gap between teeth caused by missing teeth. The crowns of two teeth are used to form a seamless bridge transitioning from the false tooth insert to the clients natural teeth. Read more about the background of dental bridges and its benefits. Call our Delray Beach dental office for more information on dental bridges.

During the first visit for getting a dental bridge, the abutment teeth are prepared. Preparation involves recontouring these teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them. Next, impressions of the teeth are made, which serve as a model from which the bridge, pontic, and crowns will be made by a dental lab. Your dentist will make a temporary bridge to wear to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the bridge is being made.

— Overview of Dental Bridges