Services / Cosmetic, Prevention, & Restorative Care
Dental Bridges
Where damage has occurred, resulting in lost teeth, bridges can be used as a long-term solution to bridge the space between the surrounding teeth. Our dental clinic has the experience you need to feel confident in your care and long-term health.
What are Dental Bridges and when are they appropriate?
Once a tooth is removed, the surrounding teeth usually will tend to tilt into the space. Most of the time, the opposing tooth will grow down (or up) into the space as well. When this happens, your bite becomes misaligned and can cause painful and troublesome symptoms in the joint in front of your ear, commonly referred to as TMJ symptoms.
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. As the name implies, removable bridges can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability and feel more natural than a removable bridge.
What are the benefits of a Dental Bridge?
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 potentially harmful disorders, including gum disease.
What does the procedure involve?
The procedure usually takes two appointments to complete.
- At the first appointment, the doctor will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by shaping them.
- Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure the correct bite and to match the opposing teeth, 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. The bridge is then cemented onto the natural teeth, providing support for the bridge.
What materials are used in creating a bridge?
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to a metal substructure. New materials have been developed that allow us to provide “metal free” dentistry options as well. Work with your dentist to choose the right materials for your long-term health.
How do I take care of my bridge?
A Top Source for Dental Bridges in Gig Harbor, WA
When you are looking for a dental specialist in the Gig Harbor, Washington area, Kvinsland Dentistry is an excellent choice. Our dental office takes immense pride in building trusting patient/doctor relationships. We focus on your long-term health and restoring your smile to its best. We want you to be confident and feel good about your teeth.
Get started today with our dental office. Call today to schedule an appointment. 253.851.9171